The Minnesota Wild fans witnessed an impressive season in which the team won their first playoff series in over a decade, only for it to end in a five-game series defeat to the Colorado Avalanche. To make matters sting even worse, they watched the Avalanche shockingly get swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals.
Regardless, the team has high expectations heading into the offseason. Their most important goal is undoubtedly re-signing defenseman Quinn Hughes, who has one more year left on his current contract before hitting free agency. At his end of season media session, Hughes expressed a willingness to sign a contract extension with the Wild. That had to quell any concerns for the Wild. But now, there is new reporting that will seep fear into the minds of fans.
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos unveiled his latest trade board for this upcoming offseason, and while he won't put Hughes on it, he does express some doubt that the Wild will be able to retain him. The main reasoning? A source reminded him of the reason why Hughes wanted to leave the Vancouver Canucks, and that's to play on the same team as his younger brothers Jack and Luke, both of whom play for the New Jersey Devils.
NHL insider opens door for Quinn Hughes to leave Wild this offseason
"There is no question that Hughes is saying all the right things publicly, that he’s open to staying and is happy in Minnesota. But, as one source told me, we can’t forget why he left Vancouver in the first place. Former Canucks president Jim Rutherford openly acknowledged multiple times Hughes’ desire to one day play with his brothers," writes Kypreos. "What the Wild have to figure out is if that desire comes as early as 2027, when Hughes would become a UFA."
"If that is indeed the case, the time for Wild GM Bill Guerin to trade Hughes is this summer, and not at next season’s trade deadline."
This would be the worst case scenario for the Wild. Let's not forget what general manager Bill Guerin had to give up to acquire Hughes from the Canucks back in December. They traded away defenseman Zeev Buium, forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick to bring in Hughes to help them contend in the Central Division. The Wild could not sign Hughes to a contract extension at the time. They can only do so at the start of free agency, which officially begins on July 1.
Sure, the Wild have to feel promise that Hughes is open to signing an extension with the team. Hughes said he likes it in Minnesota, and that it's really up to what Guerin wants to do, who said he is also open to re-signing him. But, of course, nothing is truly official until pen hits paper.
If no deal is close to getting done, Kypreos mentions the possibility of trading Hughes in the offseason to try and get as much as possible in return. Even so, if Hughes is still determined to play alongside his brothers, the Wild's trade return could be lessened if they can only deal with the Devils. Kypreos does float the idea of a potential Hughes for Hischier swap if things reach that point.
"Coincidentally, there might be a swap that makes some sense. Nico Hischier is also heading into the final season of his contract before being able to test the UFA waters, and the Wild very much need to solidify a big hole they have at centre. Hischier would fill that void," writes Kypreos.
While potentially acquiring Hischer would lessen the pain of losing out on Hughes, the latter is a much bigger star with much higher upside.
Even with the worst case scenario being floated for the Wild, Kypreos said he's not ready to put him on his trade board just yet. We should get a better idea once July 1 rolls around. The best outcome is if Hughes and Guerin comes to terms on an agreement. Until then, expect the "Hughes family reunion" narrative to continue.
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