The Minnesota Wild have finally made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 11 years. On Thursday night, the Wild defeated the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6 to end the first round series. Quinn Hughes played a significant role in the win, scoring two goals and notching an assist, helping the Wild advance to their second round series against the Colorado Avalanche.
Back in Decemeber, the Wild made the trade for Hughes, giving up three young players and a first round pick to the Vancouver Canucks. This was a move to help the Wild contend for a Stanley Cup. Sure enough, he was a difference maker for the Wild and helped them get through the Stars, who were a tough matchup in paper. But the Wild had a short window with Hughes, as he's set to be a free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. The hope is that he could be convinced to sign a contract extension.
During his latest episode of the "32 Thoughts Podcast," Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman offered some predictions. One of his predictions is that Hughes will sign a three-year contract extension with the Wild.
"I have two predictions. Prediction No. 1: Quinn Hughes signs a three-year extension," said Friedman.
Elliotte Friedman predicts Wild sign Quinn Hughes to three-year extension
When asked by co-host Kyle Bukauskas how he ended up on three years, Friedman said, "it's just my prediction."
This is a prediction that Wild fans would sign up for. Sure, having Hughes for a season-plus isn't that bad, but any team would be foolish to let him hit the open market, because there's a guarantee that he could sign elsewhere. Given the playoff atmosphere in Minnesota, and the fact that the Wild are firmly contenders in the Western Conference for the foreseeable future, it would be difficult for any player to leave.
It's important to note that at the time the Wild acquired Hughes, they were unable to negotiate a contract extension. Given the league rules, the Wild can't do so until July 1. So, there is still two months to go for Wild fans before the player and team can begin negotiating. Ultimately, it is up to Hughes as to whether or not he wants to negotiate.
Given the team's playoff run so far, Hughes could be enticed. Friedman predicting that Hughes and the Wild sign a contract extension should be something of value.
Add us as a preferred source on Google