The Minnesota Wild is approaching a contract extension with defenseman Quinn Hughes that could carry an annual average value of at least $17 million.
Hughes became eligible for the extension 11 days ago as he enters the final season of his current six-year, $7.85 million contract.
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Negotiations Progressing
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, who shared the update on the Hello Hockey podcast, negotiations between the two sides are progressing significantly toward a high-value agreement.
"Quinn Hughes's extension... they're getting there, is going to be around $17 (million AAV), if not higher," Pagnotta said.
While Pagnotta did not specify the length of the deal, hockey insider Elliotte Friedman has frequently reported that the defenseman is anticipated to sign a three-year term.
A $17 million annual salary matches the historic deal signed last year by Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov.
Salary Cap Implications
As reported by nhltraderumors.
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me, the consecutive extensions mean the franchise will allocate at least $34 million to just two players starting in the 2027-28 season.
That year, the NHL salary cap is projected to climb to $113.5 million from the upcoming season's $104 million threshold.
The combined salaries of Kaprizov and Hughes would consume roughly 30 percent of Minnesota's total cap space.
General Manager Bill Guerin faces the challenge of building a competitive roster under these tight financial constraints.
Minnesota acquired Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in a major trade during the previous season.
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The former Norris Trophy winner went on to record 53 points in 48 games with the Wild while leading the NHL with an average ice time of 27:44 per night.
