Quinn Hughes' Minnesota Wild contract extension in doubt

NHL insiders now say the anticipated extension for defenseman Quinn Hughes with the Minnesota Wild has shifted from a question of "when" to "if." Sources including Jeff Marek and Kevin Kavanaugh note that the Wild entered the offseason expecting a multi‑year deal, but negotiations have stalled into August. Hughes, who is due $7.85 million AAV this season, is expected to command a higher salary in any new contract, but the Wild's cap flexibility and lack of a suitable center have complicated matters. General manager Bill Guerin has been in contact with Hughes' camp, yet the longer the delay, the louder the speculation becomes, with the New Jersey Devils keeping cap space open as a possible destination. The discussion also touches on Hughes' priorities, with insiders suggesting he is weighing the team's competitiveness and Stanley Cup prospects over pure financial terms.