Quinn Hughes remains without a contract beyond the 2026-27 season as the Minnesota Wild continue trying to secure the star defenseman before he can reach unrestricted free agency next summer.
Hughes became eligible for an extension on July 1 and is entering the final season of the six-year, $47.1 million contract he originally signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021.
On Friday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Hughes’ camp and Minnesota are expected to meet “soon” to try and make meaningful progress toward an extension. Friedman also believes the biggest question could involve contract length rather than Hughes’ salary demands.
“I think the thing that helps Minnesota here is I’m not convinced Hughes wants term,” Friedman said. “I could be wrong, but I think we all know the situation with Jack having a few more years to go. I think that’s the thing here that helps Minnesota.”
Friedman predicted a three-year extension carrying an $18 million average annual value (AAV) for Hughes at the start of the summer. After a few contract extensions reset the NHL market, including that of fellow defenseman Cale Makar, Friedman is inclined to change that projection.
“Now you’re looking at Quinn Hughes, my prediction, and I said it at the beginning of the summer, was that Hughes would sign for (three years, $18 million AAV),” Friedman said. “Well, that was before (Ducks forward Leo) Carlsson’s deal, and that was before (Avs defenseman Cale) Makar’s deal.”
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Added Friedman: “I think right now it really rests with the player. And I’ll say this, could it be $20 (AAV)? Would any of us be surprised if the number was around $20 (AAV)? I don’t think any of us would.”
The latest official update on the Hughes-Wild stalemate came from general manager Bill Guerin, who said communication with Hughes and his agent has remained positive, with “no tension” between the sides.
According to Friedman, the next significant step is expected soon, with training camp and the preseason right around the corner.
