The Minnesota Wild had two main priorities this offseason, and that was to acquire a new No. 1 center and retain star defenseman Quinn Hughes on a contract extension. At this point of the offseason, the latter looks much more likely, especially since both sides have publicly expressed a desire to keep their partnership going. Hughes is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the and of this upcoming season.
While the two sides haven't agreed to terms on a deal just yet, the expectation is that they will this offseason. Additionally, this won't be a long-term deal for Hughes, as reporters and insiders believe he will sign a three-year extension so that his free agency can line up with his younger brother and New Jersey Devils star, Jack Hughes. The duo have long discussed teaming up in the NHL at some point, and doing so in free agency at the same time would be their best bet. But, they'd have to make sure that their destination is an ideal one.
Wild forward Nick Foligno, who re-signed with the team this offseason, discussing his return to the Minnesota with The Athletic's Joe Smith. Foligno spoke about the potential of the Hughes brothers joining the same NHL team in the future, but gave a suggestion to them. That suggestion, was to make sure they join "a good situation."
Nick Foligno offers suggestion to Quinn Hughes about teaming up with hiks brother
“If anything, maybe Marcus and I’s story helps him understand,” Foligno told The Athletic “That part always takes care of itself. There has to be a timing element of it, too. I’ve seen a lot of brothers play together, and the teams are not very good and it turns into a little bit of a bad situation. You want to team up when it’s a good situation and it matters. Hopefully he understands that and realizes this is a great team right now and has a window to win and he can see that through.
“You’re still so young. You can look into your brother at any point. They’re both great players. They can decide to play (together) at any moment. Why not see it through with what you have right now?”
These comments from Foligno come after he expressed confidence that Hughes would re-sign with the Wild. Foligno's reasoning behind that belief is due to his reason for re-upping with the Wild for another year, and that's because they are a "great team."
The Wild had the feel-good move of the trade deadline, as they acquired Nick from the Chicago Blackhawks, allowing him to team up with his younger brother Marcus in Minnesota. This was the first-time that the long-time NHL players were on the same team. Not only were they on the same team, but on a legitimate Stanley cup contender. As Wild fans know, the team made it to the second round after defeating the Dallas Stars in the opening round, before losing in five games to the Colorado Avalanche. Even with the departure of some players, the Wild are still expected to be contenders in the Central Division.
Hughes was a pivotal piece to the Wild's success this season, and easily their most productive player on the roster during the playoffs. To be quite frank, this was probably the best NHL team Hughes has been on. Once Quinn re-signs, who knows, maybe he can convince Jack to join the Wild in free agency? We won't know about that until the summer of 2030 the earliest.
How siblings have fared playing on the same NHL team
There has been a recent stretch of siblings being on the same NHL team. That starts with the Hughes', as Jack and Luke are both on the Devils and have remained teammates ever since 2021. Quinn was not part of that, since he was on the Vancouver Canucks from 2018 until Dec. 2025. In terms of success, Jack and Luke have never made it past the second round of the playoffs.
There have been multiple occasions where brothers played on the same team and won a Stanley Cup. Maurice and Henri Richard teamed up on the Montreal Canadiens from 1955 until 1960, and they won the Stanley Cup every since season they were teammates. Duane and Brent Suter won the Stanley Cup in 1982 and 1983 when they were on the New York Islanders. Frank and Peter Maholvich won the Stanley Cup in 1971 and 1973 with the Canadiens. Scott and Rob Niedermeyer won the Stanley Cup in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks.
Those are just some examples of the siblings to win a Stanley Cup while playing on the same team. The Hughes are obviously planning on being the latest team. The Tkachuks may get a head start, as the Florida Panthers acquired Brady from the Ottawa Senators to team up with his brother Matthew.
We'll see if and where Quinn and Jack team up. For now, the Wild are hoping to win a Stanley Cup while Quinn is still on the roster, and before he potentially leaves in free agency.
Add us as a preferred source on Google