The next contract of defenceman Quinn Hughes has been a talking point for some time and played a major role in his trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild last December.
Hughes is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and had told then-Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin he did not intend to re-sign with the team. On the eve of Hughes’ return to Vancouver as a member of the Wild, the star blueliner indicated he might be willing to stick around in Minnesota.
When asked about his contract situation by The Athletic’s Joe Smith in Seattle, Hughes said his feet are “planted” in Minnesota and indicated he wouldn’t be surprised if something happens soon.
“I’m where I’ve always been. I’m excited right now. My two feet are planted in Minnesota and you know, something could happen soon,” he said.
“I’m not really sure. I’m really enjoying playing here… there’s a lot of things that are set up nicely here for me to have success individually and as a team. We have a great team. First thing, is you want to get into the playoffs but I would think that we have a chance to win this year.”
Hughes has a cap hit of $7.85 million on his current deal that he signed as a member of the Canucks in October of 2021 and has been eligible to sign a contract extension with the Wild since July 1. He has previously indicated a desire to play with his brother, Jack, who has been a member of the New Jersey Devils since going No. 1 overall in 2019. His other brother, Luke, also plays for the Devils.
Hughes spoke favourably of his time in Vancouver to reporters on Saturday, but knows he might face a hostile reaction in front of his former fans the next night, especially after Brady Tkachuk was heavily booed by Senators fans in Ottawa earlier this week.
“I don’t know what to expect too much tomorrow, but I’m going to face that when it comes,” he said via Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com.
“But whether I’m booed or whatnot, that won’t change how I feel about that place and how grateful I am for the experiences I’ve had there.”
Hughes spent six and a half seasons with the Canucks, highlighted by him winning the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenceman in 2023-24. He had 17 goals and 92 points that season.
“I was really lucky to start my career there, and just being in a Canadian market was a really special thing for me,” Hughes said.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity and six and a half years there.”