Quinn Hughes will be re-signed by the Minnesota Wild, according to owner Craig Leipold. On Wednesday, Leipold stated that the team is determined to keep the defenseman, with the main question being the length of the new contract.
What happened?
The Wild acquired Quinn Hughes in a trade last December, giving up Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren, and a 2026 first-round pick.
Why it matters for Quinn Hughes
Hughes played 48 games for the Wild, scoring five goals and 48 assists for 53 points, and a plus-minus of plus-six. He also performed well in the postseason, with four goals and 11 assists over 11 playoff matchups.
The Wild reached the second round of the playoffs, defeating the Dallas Stars in the first round before losing to the Colorado Avalanche.
What comes next?
Leipold hopes to sign Hughes to a five-year deal, but the defenseman may prefer a shorter contract, possibly three years. Hughes' success with the Wild, combined with the team's significant investment in acquiring him, makes re-signing him a priority.
Quinn Hughes was also an Olympic star this year, helping Team USA win its first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Sweden in the quarterfinals.
The contract talks are ongoing, with Leipold openly discussing the team's intentions to re-sign Hughes. The Wild owner's comments suggest that the team is committed to keeping the defenseman, and a new deal is likely to be announced soon.
Hughes' current contract has one year left, with a total value of $47.1 million over six years. The new deal will likely be a significant investment for the Wild, but Leipold's comments indicate that the team is willing to pay to keep the talented defenseman.
The Minnesota Wild's determination to re-sign Quinn Hughes is a testament to his value to the team. With his successful stint with the Wild and his Olympic achievements, Hughes has proven himself to be a key player in the NHL.