The Minnesota Wild entered the 2026 offseason figuring out their largest precedence had every part to do with what may occur a 12 months from now.
Star defenseman Quinn Hughes grew to become eligible to signal a contract extension on July 1, having now only one season remaining on his present deal. Hughes is below contract at a $9 million per 12 months by 2031-32, as a part of a six-year, $47.1 million deal signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021.
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Last season, Hughes scored 68 factors in 59 video games with the Wild after becoming a member of the membership through commerce halfway by the season. Overall, Hughes put up 76 points in 74 games between Vancouver and Minnesota.
Before the offseason, the blueliner already said he’s “definitely open to re-signing” in Minnesota, however negotiations have not yielded a long-term deal but.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates after scoring a objective.Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Despite the dearth of an settlement up to now, head coach John Hynes spoke to The Minnesota Star Tribune and he made it clear he’s “very optimistic” that Hughes will keep in Minnesota.
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Hynes pointed to each the surroundings across the group and Hughes’ expertise since arriving from Vancouver in December.
“I think he really enjoys Minnesota,” Hynes stated. “He enjoys the team. He’s got a good relationship with Billy, myself, the coaches, and I think he feels like he’s got good teammates.”
Hynes believes that Hughes’ time in Minnesota, together with the Wild’s success final season in reaching the second spherical for the primary time since 2015, solely strengthened Minnesota’s case for retaining the defenseman.
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“He had very good success,” Hynes stated. “Obviously, he’s a very good player. But since he’s been with us, he’s been very successful from an individual standpoint, which has certainly helped our team.”
The Wild know Hughes’ subsequent contract might grow to be one of many richest ever signed by a defenseman, notably with the wage cap persevering with to rise and Colorado‘s Cale Makar additionally due for a brand new deal.
According to an NHL agent talking to ESPN, “The talk on the street right now is it’s anywhere between $15 and $20 million a year, depending upon the term.”
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Still, Hynes feels Minnesota provides the total package deal and every part Hughes is perhaps in search of.
“So, I feel there’s a lot of good things where this is a really attractive place I think for Quinn to want to be,” Hynes stated.
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This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NHL part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.