Quinn Hughes is emerging as the next big test case in the NHL’s changing contract landscape, with the Minnesota Wild facing a potential record extension decision later this year.
Reports indicated that the market changed dramatically after Kirill Kaprizov signed a $17 million per year extension, raising expectations that elite players would soon follow suit with similar deals.
Connor McDavid signed a short-term extension in Edmonton that kept his cap hit at $12.5 million, while Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor landed at $13.5 million and $12 million per year.
However, Hughes could force the market higher. The defenseman, acquired from Vancouver in December, was dominant in Minnesota, recording 29 points in 24 games.
Hughes’ performance suggests he could go well beyond that range, especially since fellow elite blueliner Cale Makar is also close to being considered for an extension.
Advanced metrics reinforce Hughes’ value. He ranks third in the NHL in Standings Points Above Replacement at 5.9, behind only McDavid and Macklin Celebrini.
His impact alone was worth an estimated 4.6 ranking points to Minnesota.
For the Wild, allowing Hughes to leave or trade him would be a major setback after the assets spent to acquire him, including top prospect Zeev Buium.
With Central Division rivals like Colorado and Dallas making progress, Minnesota’s decision on Quinn Hughes could determine his competitive future.
