New NHL Rumors Update Quinn Hughes' Contract Talks, Trade Buzz with Wild Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Three weeks before training camps open and one month before the start of the 2026-27 NHL regular season, Quinn Hughes' future with the Minnesota Wild is becoming a big question mark.

On the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said there's no indication there have been "a ton of talks recently between Hughes and the Wild" as he enters the final season of his current contract.

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Michael Russo reported the team has not been engaged with the New Jersey Devils or any team in regards to Hughes:

"One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations that aren't public, went as far as to tell The Athletic on Tuesday that the rumors are 'bulls--t,' 'made up' and 'invented BS by bloggers'"

Hughes was acquired by the Wild from the Vancouver Canucks last December. He had spent the first eight years of his career in Vancouver, but a trade came about after his camp reportedly informed Canucks officials at some point early last season that he wouldn't commit to signing an extension.

Minnesota sent Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren and a 2026 first-round pick (No. 24 overall) to Vancouver in exchange for Quinn.

The Athletic's Michael Russo reported on July 2 that Wild general manager Bill Guerin called the New Jersey Devils to inquire about Jack Hughes, Quinn's younger brother, in a potential trade.

No deal came out of those discussions, but it's plausible the Wild were taking steps in an attempt to entice Hughes to sign an extension. The Devils were connected to Quinn before he was traded to Minnesota.

Hughes told reporters in May after the Wild's season ended with a second-round playoff loss to the Colorado Avalanche that he would like some clarity on his future going into next season, adding that he is "open" to an extension with Minnesota.

"I really like it here. I would definitely be open to re-signing. We'll see what Billy wants to do," Hughes said. "We're 36 hours removed [from elimination]. I'm not sure I'm ready to get into details, what they would look like."

One potential issue is the value of a Hughes' extension. He is currently the 35th highest-paid defenseman in the NHL by average annual salary $7.85 million per season on the six-year, $47.1 million deal he signed in October 2021.

Hughes has far exceeded that deal, including winning the Norris Trophy during the 2023-24 season.

Bowen Byram of the Chicago Blackhawks is the highest-paid defenseman at $12.5 million annually on the six-year, $75 million extension he signed in July. Erik Karlsson ($11.5 million), Rasmus Dahlin ($11 million) and Drew Doughty ($11 million) round out the top four defensemen by average annual salary.

Hughes finished last season with 69 assists, eighth-most in the league, and helped the Wild win a playoff series for the first time since 2015.

Minnesota will open the 2026-27 regular season on Oct. 1 against the Nashville Predators.