Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin says he expects defenseman Quinn Hughes to agree to a new contract, though he emphasized the decision ultimately rests with the player and negotiations are still in progress. Hughes became eligible to sign an extension on July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Negotiation Insights and Future Prospects
Guerin discussed the talks during a radio interview at the Minnesota State Fair. He described steady communication with Hughes and his agent, Pat Brisson, and noted he has met with Hughes in person and spoken with him by phone this offseason. Formal negotiations, he said, are handled through the agent.
Hughes, the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner while with the Vancouver Canucks, joined Minnesota in a major trade on Dec. 12, 2025. He produced 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 games for the Wild last season. Minnesota defeated the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. Hughes had 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 postseason games and helped Team USA win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Guerin likened the current situation to last year’s extension for forward Kirill Kaprizov, who also entered the offseason with one year remaining on his contract. The Wild and Kaprizov ultimately reached an eight-year, $136 million agreement on Sept. 30. Guerin indicated that negotiations typically intensify as training camp approaches.
Hughes has one season left on the six-year, $47.1 million contract he signed with Vancouver on Oct. 3, 2021, which carries a $7.85 million average annual value. His next deal is expected to command a much higher number, especially after Colorado’s Cale Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract with a $20.4 million annual average value. Guerin noted that top players now reach free agency at younger ages and often have the financial flexibility to weigh factors such as term, dollars, and destination in different ways, and he expressed comfort with that reality.
The Wild are modeling how a new Hughes contract could fit into their long-term plans, but Guerin stressed those plans depend on what Hughes ultimately wants. Minnesota would like to keep him for as long as possible, yet the team is prepared to adjust if his preferences differ. He said the front office continually maps out the next three to four years while recognizing that circumstances can change.