Quinn Hughes Teases New Wild Contract Amid NHL Rumors After Connor Hellebuyck Devils Trade

Star defenseman Quinn Hughes said he might sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild "soon" rather than test free agency and gain the opportunity to join his brothers and Team USA teammate Connor Hellebuyck on the New Jersey Devils.

"I'm where I've always been, and I'm excited right now, and my two feet are planted here in Minnesota," Hughes told reporters Saturday when asked about his mindset regarding contract negotiations. "Something could happen soon, I'm not really too sure."

Hughes added part of his excitement hinges on the opportunity to play with a defensive core starring Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin and Brock Faber while Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek lead the Wild's offense.

"I'm really enjoying playing here, and I love playing with— you see Brod, Spurge, and when Brock Faber comes back, there's a lot of things that are set up nicely for me to have success individually," Hughes said.

Hughes concluded, "I would think we have a chance to win this year. And then, you see when [head coach John Hynes] and [associate coach Jack Capuano] load us up with Kirill and Boldy and Ek— that's probably the most fun hockey I've ever played, just playing with those guys... I'm really enjoying it right now, and just taking my time, and we'll see where it goes. But wouldn't be surprised if something happens soon."

Hughes, who was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Wild last December, is in the final season of his $7.85 million AAV contract.

Questions about his future escalated after the Devils acquired Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, from the Winnipeg Jets.

The Devils are off to a 6-4-0 start to the season with Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes on the roster.

Adding Hellebuyck could make New Jersey an even more appealing destination as a contender, although the Devils would have to clear out cap space in order to fit what is likely to be a significant raise for Hughes under the cap.

Hughes said Saturday he hadn't spoken with his brothers "too much yet" about the trade for Hellebuyck.

"I know Helly. I know what Jack feels about him. He lives eight houses down from us in Michigan, skates with us in the summer, and then obviously won gold with him," Hughes said. "I'm sure he's happy, and this is what he wanted, so for me, just being his friend, happy for him."

Hellebuyck, who hasn't played in an NHL game since last April, will continue preparing for his Devils debut while the Wild continue extension talks with Hughes.

The Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar set a defensive record by signing a deal worth more than $20 million per year in August. Whatever contract Hughes signs next could once more reset the market for a blueliner.