Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes says extension could come soon before Vancouver return
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes said his "two feet are planted" in Minnesota and a deal "could happen soon."
He returns to Vancouver next, where his contract future shapes the Wild's season.
Background
Quinn Hughes is a Minnesota Wild defenseman, a former Vancouver Canucks captain, the seventh overall pick of the 2018 NHL Draft, a Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's top defenseman and a 2026 U.S. Olympic gold medalist. Vancouver traded him to Minnesota in December 2025 after learning he was unlikely to re-sign and wanted to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, both on the New Jersey Devils. He is in the final season of a six-year, $47.1 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, making his next deal a central question for the Wild.
How it unfolded
- 2023 -24 seasonHughes was named Vancouver Canucks captain and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.
- Dec 12, 2025Vancouver traded Hughes to the Minnesota Wild for center Marco Rossi, left winger Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium and a 2026 first-round draft pick.
- Jul 1, 2026Hughes became eligible to sign an extension with Minnesota, but no news of a new deal emerged.
- Oct 24, 2026Speaking in Seattle, Hughes said his "two feet are planted" in Minnesota and "something could happen soon." The Wild beat the Seattle Kraken 5-1, with Hughes assisting on Kirill Kaprizov's goal 26 seconds in.
- Oct 25, 2026Hughes is set to make his first return to Vancouver since the trade when the Wild face the Canucks at 10 p.m. ET.
Who’s saying what
- Player
- Hughes said he is enjoying playing in Minnesota, sees things set up nicely for individual and team success there, and believes the team has a chance to win this year.
- Agent
- Agent Pat Brisson said Hughes is currently happy where he is and will let him know if and when the time for a deal comes.
- Caution
- Hughes said he is not sure an extension is imminent, is keeping "chips close to my vest" and does not feel pressured to do anything.
- Former teammate
- Canucks forward Brock Boeser said Hughes should get a good welcome back in Vancouver because he gave it his all.
Still unverified
Hughes did not confirm an extension was imminent, saying "I'm not really too sure" and "we'll see where it goes." Talk that pressure is on Wild GM Bill Guerin, with Hughes potentially drawn to joining his friends and brothers on the Devils, and trade rumors that could "heat up more and more as the season goes along" if no extension is reached, remain unconfirmed.