The Minnesota Wild struck a blow by acquiring Quinn Hughes. On the ice, the effect was immediate. But in the long term, the deal is a risky gamble. Hughes' $7.85 million contract expires in 2027, and right now there's no guarantee he'll still be in Minnesota after that date.
Therefore, the Wild agreed to pay a lot of money for the player, not having confidence that they would be able to keep him. This is a conscious decision, but one with far-reaching consequences. If everything works out and the team becomes a real contender, the debate will quickly change.
If this does not happen, the pressure will increase from the start of next season. The team cannot begin negotiations on a new contract until July 2026.
According to sources, the Wild have not received any guarantees that Hughes will extend his contract next summer.
Obviously Guerin knows him well.
– Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 13, 2025
The New Jersey factor is also hovering over this case. Come 2027, Hughes will be free to choose his next destination, and the possibility of his brothers joining the Devils will inevitably be part of the equation. Regardless of public rhetoric, this scenario exists and the Wild will have to fight it until the final day of his contract.
However, there is one factor in Wild's favor. Between July 1, 2026 and September 15, 2026, Quinn Hughes can sign an eight-year contract extension. After this, the maximum term will be reduced to seven years.
So Minnesota only has one window, but it's a strategic one. This exclusivity gives Wild significant leverage, especially if the team is performing well and the project seems credible at the time of discussion.
To convince the American defenseman to stay, the Wild will have to offer more than just an interesting project. The financial aspect will also be critical. Kirill Kaprizov is already the team's salary target with a contract worth $17 million per year.
Then the question becomes inevitable. Can Minnesota afford to pay Hughes as much or more than a franchise forward, and what will his demands be?
A defenseman of his caliber could legitimately demand a similar salary. Quinn Hughes plays almost half the game, controls the transition and influences every aspect of the game. The wild one will have to make a decision. Either she will agree to break her inner ceiling, or she will try to convince Hughes to sign a contract slightly less than Kaprizov, relying on stability and competitiveness.
In any case, the risk is high. Awarding two large contracts limits long-term flexibility. Failure to do so increases Hughes' chances of exploring the market and possibly turning his back on Minnesota in 2027.
after a while
– Florian Czekai fights fiercely with Michael Pezzetta.
Florian Czekai immediately went after Michael Pezzetta in the Marlies vs. Rocket.
Pezzetta delivered a really dirty blind shot to Laval's Marc Del Gaizo, clearly aimed at his head.
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 13, 2025
– Samuel Blais continues his hot streak with another goal for the Rocket.
On pp!! https://t.co/I6YpQHr6Po pic.twitter.com/U4DQe8NGNN
– Laval Rocket (@RocketLaval) December 13, 2025
– Matt Luff scores his first goal for the Blues.
MATT LUFF – first NHL goal in a game for the Blues! #WeLuffIt https://t.co/wXRT6gTSOI
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) December 13, 2025
– Pierre McGuire wasn't surprised to see Jacob Fowler hold off the Penguins.
Pierre McGuire wasn't the least bit surprised to see Jacob Fowler block the Pittsburgh Penguins last night…
“This is the first kid I've seen since I watched Brodeur when I was 16 that reminds me of Brodeur.”#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/c9eQUceUYc
– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) December 12, 2025
