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May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) warms up before game one against the Colorado Avalanche of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes’ contract is ending in the 2026-27 season, leaving the player open for free agency. Hughes says he wants to remain with the Wild publicly, but sources suggest otherwise. NHL analyst Nick Kypreos is skeptical about his commitment to the team.
Kypreos believes that Hughes has his eyes set on the New Jersey Devils. He claims that an anonymous source informed him on May 27 that Hughes intends to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke, both of whom are on the Devils’ roster, per an X post by NHL Rumour Report on June 1, 2026.
“Nick Kypreos: There is no question that Quinn Hughes is saying all the right things publicly, that he’s open to staying and is happy in Minnesota. But, as one source told me, we can’t forget why he left Vancouver...desire to one day play with his brothers - Sportsnet (5/27).”
A report by ESPN from September 2025 states that the Vancouver Canucks' president, Jim Rutherford, publicly claimed that Hughes had expressed interest in playing alongside his brothers Luke and Jack.
On the other hand, Quinn Hughes has claimed that he would like to continue with the Wild, saying he is “open to re-signing” with the Wild, per a May 15 report by NHL.com.
Hughes has been with the Wild since he was traded to them on December 12, 2025, by the Vancouver Canucks. With the Wild, he has played 48 games and made 53 points (5 goals/48 assists).
Despite his strong performance, speculation persists that Hughes favors a move to the Devils.
With Hughes publicly saying he wants to stay in Minnesota, there have been reports of a large contract potentially coming Hughes’s way.
Reports of a Massive Contract From the Wild Find Quinn Hughes
After a devastating loss to the Colorado Avalanche in the second round ended any postseason hopes for the Wild, the front office seems keen on keeping Quinn Hughes, their star defenseman, on the team.
Reports from insider Nick Kypreos claim that the Wild are preparing to propose one of their biggest contracts ever to retain Hughes. The Wild did the same to keep Kirill Kaprizov on the team in 2025.
“The Wild are prepared to make him a big offer and are more than willing to make him as happy as they did with Kirill Kaprizov last year, when they signed him to a $17 million contract,” Kypreos wrote in a post on X.
If the New Jersey Devils want to bring Hughes in, they will have to wait till July next year when he is available for free agency, and will have to hope that the Wild doesn’t offer him the biggest deal of his life.
Do you think Quinn Hughes will remain with the Minnesota Wild after his contract with them ends in 2027? Let us know in the comments.
