In a surprising twist in the NHL landscape, Quinn Hughes, who was acquired by the Minnesota Wild just nine months ago, is already at the center of trade discussions. This speculation has intensified following predictions made by Bleacher Report's Adam Gretz, who suggested that Hughes is likely to be traded during the 2026-27 season. The buzz surrounding Hughes has particularly caught the attention of the New Jersey Devils, where his two brothers currently play.
Hughes, a talented defenseman, is entering the final year of a six-year contract worth $47.1 million that he initially signed with the Vancouver Canucks. As of July 1, 2027, he will become an unrestricted free agent, and he has been eligible to negotiate an extension with the Wild since July 1. However, the prospect of a family reunion in New Jersey looms large, as many believe Hughes might be waiting for the right opportunity to join his brothers, Jack and Luke, on the Devils.
The Minnesota Wild, who made a significant investment to bring Hughes to their roster, may have a tough decision ahead. In December 2025, the Wild traded three roster players—defenseman Zeev Buium and forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren—along with a first-round draft pick in 2026 to acquire Hughes from the Canucks. His performance since joining the Wild has justified that gamble; he recorded 53 points in 48 regular-season games and led the team with 15 points in 11 playoff games, helping the Wild advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Given his contributions, the Wild would face a significant loss if they allowed Hughes to walk away in free agency without receiving anything in return. Gretz pointed out that the Colorado Avalanche's handling of a similar situation with a pending unrestricted free agent serves as a cautionary tale for the Wild. The Avalanche opted to trade their star player rather than risk losing him for nothing, a strategy that Minnesota may need to consider if contract negotiations do not progress.
Despite the swirling trade rumors, the Wild's management remains optimistic about retaining Hughes. General manager Bill Guerin expressed confidence in reaching a new contract with Hughes, emphasizing that while they cannot force him to sign, the organization is hopeful for a positive outcome. Hughes himself has indicated a willingness to re-sign, praising Guerin's vision for building a championship-caliber team.
As the NHL training camp approaches, uncertainty still looms over Hughes' intentions. While Guerin maintains a positive outlook, the absence of a contract extension adds pressure to every discussion surrounding Hughes. His recent comments on a local radio show, where he humorously acknowledged that he could be traded, further fueled speculation about his future.
With the Devils' interest in Hughes and the Wild's need to make a strategic decision, the coming months will be crucial. Minnesota has the chance to eliminate trade discussions by securing an extension with Hughes, but until that happens, the connection to New Jersey will continue to generate buzz in the hockey community.
Leave a Comment