The Minnesota Wild are in the middle of one of their best seasons, sitting third in the Central Division with a 22-10-6 record. Even though they head into the holiday break on the back of two straight losses (including a 3-2 overtime loss to Nashville), the overall picture is still very positive following a seven-game win streak.
A big reason for the excitement around the team is the blockbuster trade that brought star defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
Minnesota Wild Experience Major Business Surge After Quinn Hughes Trade
The Wild made one of the NHL’s biggest splashes this month by landing Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in a blockbuster deal that sent Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick the other way. The move instantly raised expectations in Minnesota, on and off the ice.
Hughes has wasted no time in acclimating to life in Minny. In his first six games with the Wild, the team has gone 4-1-1, with Hughes chipping in with four points.
Beyond the numbers, Hughes’ arrival has sparked a noticeable business boom for the organization.
NHL analyst Judd Zulgad highlighted just how dramatic the shift has been. “Before the Hughes trade, the Wild had four sellouts in 17 home games. Since the trade, they have sold out all four games they have played, and the past two games they drew over 19,000,” Zulgad pointed out.
Fans have also noticed the difference. One supporter summed it up perfectly, saying, “Has been very noticeable. I was grabbing tickets last minute lower level for $15. Now they are 100.”
On the ice, Hughes’ chemistry with Brock Faber has been especially encouraging. Against Nashville, Hughes set up Faber for the team’s opening goal. Their ability to move freely, support each other, and activate offensively without sacrificing structure has quickly turned them into one of the team’s most dynamic defensive duos.
After Tuesday’s game, Faber couldn’t hide his admiration for his new partner. “He’s a special player, special person, great teammate, and he’s a competitor,” Faber said. “He’s only gonna get more and more comfortable here obviously, and it’s shown in the way we’ve been playing how much he impacts the game just by himself.”
Faber also noted Hughes’ strong communication and positioning, admitting that playing alongside a defenseman of that offensive caliber is a learning process, but one he’s embracing. The focus, he said, is on continuing to improve together and maximizing what they can bring as a pairing.
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With the holiday break now underway, the Wild will look to reset before returning to action Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets.