December 14, 2025: Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes 43 makes an evasive move with the puck away from Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten 93 in the second period Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. - ZUMAm67_ 20251214_zaf_m67_006 Copyright: xJeffxWheelerx
December 14, 2025: Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes 43 makes an evasive move with the puck away from Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten 93 in the second period Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. - ZUMAm67_ 20251214_zaf_m67_006 Copyright: xJeffxWheelerx
The Minnesota Wild has been one of the most active teams in the NHL in recent memory, as insider David Pagnotta believes they are taking another step forward by targeting a huge contract extension for one of their most important pieces, Quinn Hughes.
On the most recent episode of the Hello Hockey Show, Pagnotta stated that the deal between the Wild and Hughes will very well come around $17 million or more per season.
“Quinn Hughes’ extension…they’re getting there; around 17 [million AAV] if not higher,” Pagnotta said.
Last season, the Wild acquired Hughes after giving up a haul that included Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, and Liam Ohgren to land the former Vancouver Canucks captain.
In his first season with Minnesota, Hughes posted 5 goals and 53 points in 48 games while averaging more than 27 minutes a night.
The Wild was unable to get past the Colorado Avalanche in the second round, but it was a clear step in the right direction for head coach John Hynes' team, as the Wild had failed to live up to expectations in recent years.
However, the Wild need to be quick with their decisions, as Hughes will be a free agent in the 2026/27 season, amid speculation surrounding the New Jersey Devils, the home of his brothers Jack and Luke.
While the terms of the deal are still unclear, Bill Guerin likely wants to lock the 26-year-old star for a long-term deal, at least for four years, if not more.
The question remains whether or not Hughes is worth the trouble for the Wild's hopes to make a genuine push for the Stanley Cup.
Does Quinn Hughes Deserve to be the NHL's Highest Paid Defenseman
From the moment he stepped foot in the league, Hughes has made it clear that he is a step above the rest of the competition. The star defenseman has now tallied 66 goals under his belt, while scoring 485 points in just 507 games played.
The only other blue liner close to him has been Avalanche star Cale Makar, who will also be a free agent after the 2026/27 season.
The Wild needs to be careful with its finances, though, as Kirill Kaprizov will also make around the same as Hughes.
Overall, if the Wild do believe they can make a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup, Hughes' name should be the first on the lineup. The defenseman has proven time and again that he is one of the best in the business.
So, do you think Quinn Hughes can become the driving factor for the Minnesota Wild's Stanley Cup dream? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Joy Bassy