Getty
The Minnesota Wild must look at a Quinn Hughes extension as its biggest priority, given the significant investment the team has made.
The Minnesota Wild face a pivotal decision this season. Signing Quinn Hughes to a contract extension should become the club’s top priority. Since acquiring Hughes, the Wild have jumped to the top of the Western Conference playoff race. That’s why a Hughes extension must become one, if not, the club’s main target.
As one of the NHL’s elite blueliners, Hughes has transformed Minnesota’s defense into a championship-caliber unit. For the Wild, who have struggled with defensive inconsistencies and playoff droughts, acquiring and extending Hughes represents a franchise-altering move. At 26, Hughes is hitting this prime, making a long-term contract extension a no-brainer for GM Bill Guerin.
The Case for a Hughes Extension
Hughes’ track record speaks for itself. Last season, he notched 16 goals and 76 points in 68 games, earning his second Norris Trophy nomination. Moreover, his skating, vision, and puck-moving ability have elevated the Wild’s power play. Minnesota is currently sixth in the NHL with a 25.4% power play rate.
But what makes a Hughes extension more pressing is the fact that Minnesota’s captain Jared Spurgeon has slowed down due to aging legs and injury history. Plus, Brock Faber, regardless of his superstar potential, just isn’t ready for prime time.
That’s where Hughes makes all the difference for Minnesota. Hughes has fit in with Faber, creating a shutdown duo capable of scoring while neutralizing top lines. The eye test shows how Faber and Hughes have meshed well together at various junctures of the game.
While a Hughes extension wouldn’t come cheap for the Wild, the fact is that the team can’t afford to let their superstar blueliner enter next season without one. The potential distraction it could create may be too much for the team to overcome.
But beyond the potential distraction, the Wild made a massive investment in Hughes. So, it makes sense to lock him up, preferably to an eight-year extension, while they still can.
Why the Wild Can’t Afford to Delay Extending Hughes
Next season, Hughes will enter the final year of his current deal, carrying a $7.85 cap hit. Waiting risks a bidding war for a specific reason. Colorado Avalanche top D-man and reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar will also hit the final year of his contract. He’ll be eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
Let’s assume for a second that the Avalanche and Makar agree to a deal before a Hughes extension is in place. That could needlessly drive up the price for the Wild. Suppose the Avalanche sign Makar to a deal north of $12 million AAV. What would that do to Hughes’ asking price? The Wild already have Kirill Kaprizov under contract for $17 million per season. Could the Wild afford another monster contract like that?
That’s why it makes sense to have a Hughes extension in place as soon as possible. While Hughes, like Makar, can’t sign one until July 1, getting a handshake deal in place now could avoid the Wild getting stuck with Hughes looking to top Makar.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
More Heavy on Wild
Loading more stories