Quinn Hughes contract extension talks underway with Minnesota Wild

General manager Bill Guerin confirmed the Minnesota Wild have had “very, very preliminary” discussions with defenseman Quinn Hughes and his agent about a new contract, though no deal is expected on July 1. Owner Craig Leipold told MPR radio the team will re‑sign Hughes and is considering a three‑year agreement that would align with the end of his brother Jack’s contract in New Jersey. Hughes expressed his affection for the team, city and locker room, saying he would be open to staying in Minnesota.

Analysts project Hughes’s market value at about $17.8 million average annual value over an eight‑year span, potentially making him the highest‑paid player in the NHL. The extension would affect the Wild’s salary‑cap strategy as the league’s cap continues to rise and comparable deals, such as Cale Makar’s pending contract in Colorado, shape market expectations. The Wild are weighing options for length and financial terms, but the priority remains retaining their star defenseman.

The contract talks are expected to continue through the summer, with the goal of reaching an agreement before training camp begins.