Quinn Hughes (Credit: Getty Images) Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild are still talking about a new contract, but no deal has been reached yet. Hughes can become a free agent next summer, and that has brought more questions about his future with the Wild. NHL insider Frank Seravalli said Minnesota may need to make a decision soon if the two sides cannot find a deal.The Ottawa Senators are also trying to sign Drake Batherson to a new contract. The 28-year-old forward is entering the final year of his contract and wants an eight-year extension before the Sept. 15 deadline.
Could Quinn Hughes be traded if the Minnesota Wild can’t reach a deal?
Wild general manager Bill Guerin has been in regular contact with Quinn Hughes and his representatives about a new contract. Guerin said Cale Makar’s recent deal gives the Wild an idea of what an elite defenseman can command, but he also said “He’s got different things in his life that are important to him. Who knows what he’s gonna want in the end.”The Athletic’s Michael Russo reported that the Wild and New Jersey Devils have not held trade talks involving Hughes. Russo’s report came after online reports connected Hughes with a possible move to New Jersey.NHL insider Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet that Minnesota should make a decision soon if the two sides cannot agree on a contract. Seravalli said he would not want the Wild to let the situation continue for too long.Frank Seravalli also named the Devils as the most likely team to make a move for Hughes if the Wild decide to trade him. A trade before the season would give New Jersey an extra year with Hughes and exclusive rights to negotiate with him until July 1.
Will Drake Batherson and the Ottawa Senators agree on a new contract?
Postmedia reported that the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson both want to get a new contract done, but there is still a gap between the two sides.Batherson is in the final season of his six-year, $29.85 million contract, which has a $4.975 million average annual value. He is reportedly looking for an eight-year extension with a much higher salary.Postmedia reported that Batherson’s camp is looking at deals signed by Alex Tuch and Adrian Kempe. Tuch signed with the Washington Capitals for $10.5 million per year, while Kempe’s deal with the Los Angeles Kings carries a $10.625 million AAV.The Sept. 15 deadline is important for Batherson. After that date, the maximum term for a player re-signing with his current team will drop from eight years to seven under the new CBA.Batherson is coming off the best season of his NHL career. He scored 33 goals and 71 points in 79 games for Ottawa. The Senators also traded Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in June, making Batherson even more important to their forward group.