The Minnesota Wild have two huge goals this offseason — find a top line center and extend defenseman Quinn Hughes. Out of the two, the latter seems the most likely. The Wild took a gamble in acquiring Hughes in last December's blockbuster trade, but it can be viewed as a success. That's because after their playoff run came to an end, Hughes spoke positively of his time in Minnesota and expressed interest in signing a contract extension.
By all reporting, it sounds as though an agreement will be reached, but it's unlikely to occur on July 1. But it is expected to happen at some point. Team owner Craig Leipold declared recently that they are going to re-sign Hughes this offseason, but mentioned he's going to try and get it to be a five-year contract. That is the main question — how long of a contract extension will Hughes receive.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman offered his predictions for the start of free agency on July 1. Friedman predicts that Hughes and the Wild will reach an agreement at some point in July, and that the deal will be for three years, worth $18 million per year.
Elliotte Friedman predicts Quinn Hughes signs three year, $18 million per year contract extension with Wild
There you have it. Now Wild fans will wait for the official announcement to see if Hughes signs a deal anything close to what Friedman predicts.
The expectation has been that Hughes would be looking for a contract extension that runs for an additional three years. That's because Quinn is looking to line up his next free agency with his younger brother Jack, who is the star for the New Jersey Devils. Both would hit free agency in 2030. As NHL fans all know, the Hughes brothers, especially Jack, have expressed a desire to play on the same team at some point during their careers.
For Hughes, he has been everything the Wild could have hoped for. Not only is he one of the top defensemen in the game, but he has incredible playmaking skills. In the playoffs alone, he scored four goals and dished out 11 assists in 15 games. His play helped them clinch a first round series win over the rival Dallas Stars.
In 48 regular season games with the Wild, Hughes recorded five goals and 48 assists, while posting a plus/minus rating of plus-6.
Wild fans, don't expect a Hughes announcement on Wednesday. It's going to take a bit of time. But there is confidence that the team and player will reach an agreement at some point this offseason. We'll see if Friedman's prediction comes true.
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