Quinn Hughes Is All In on the Wild - And Minnesota’s Rolling Right Alongside Him
Quinn Hughes isn’t just settling into his new home in Minnesota - he’s thriving. And he’s not shy about it, either.
After the Wild’s emphatic 7-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers, Hughes doubled down on what he’s been saying since he arrived: this team is different. Better, in fact.
He’s already compared the Wild favorably to his former squad in Vancouver, but after this latest win - a season-high offensive explosion against a team led by Connor McDavid - Hughes made it clear he has zero complaints about life in Minnesota. “I’m having a great time,” he said.
That’s music to the ears of Wild fans and front office decision-makers alike. Hughes becomes eligible to re-sign with Minnesota this summer, and while there’s still time before pen can meet paper, everything he’s saying points toward a player who’s bought in. If the Wild can back up that good feeling with a deep playoff run, they might just convince Hughes that this is the place where he can win - not just play.
Statement Win Against a Star-Studded Oilers Squad
Let’s talk about that 7-3 win for a second. This wasn’t just a good night - it was a statement.
Minnesota put up a touchdown on one of the most dangerous teams in the league, and they did it with authority. The Oilers, led by the always-electric McDavid, had no answer for the Wild’s balanced attack.
It was the kind of performance that turns heads across the league and boosts locker room confidence in a big way.
Minnesota’s scoring depth was on full display, and when you combine that with Hughes’ elite puck-moving ability and leadership from the blue line, you start to see why this team is gaining momentum at just the right time.
Olympic Roster Freeze Looms - Time to Stay the Course?
With the Olympic roster freeze hitting Wednesday afternoon, teams across the NHL are sizing up their rosters and figuring out whether to buy, sell, or stand pat. For the Wild, the argument for continuity is growing stronger by the day.
The chemistry is clicking. The stars are leading, the depth is contributing, and the locker room - led by voices like Hughes - is locked in.
Making a move before the freeze could disrupt that rhythm. There’s a real case to be made for riding this wave through the break and reassessing closer to the March 6 trade deadline.
Could Jordan Kyrou Be a Fit?
That said, if Minnesota does look to add, one name that’s been floated is Jordan Kyrou. The St.
Louis winger has seen his scoring numbers dip this season, but the skill is still there. He’s a dynamic offensive threat who could slot in nicely with the Wild’s current core - especially if they’re looking to add a little more pop on the wing.
It’s a move that would come with some risk, but the upside is clear. If Kyrou finds his rhythm in a new system, he could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Power Rankings Bump
All this recent success hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the latest NHL Power Rankings, the Wild are climbing.
It’s a testament to the way they’ve been playing over the last few weeks - fast, physical, and with purpose. They’re not just beating teams; they’re doing it convincingly.
With Hughes anchoring the blue line, the offense firing on all cylinders, and the goaltending holding strong, Minnesota is shaping up to be a team no one wants to face come playoff time.
Around the League: Outdoor Drama and Maple Leafs Mayhem
Elsewhere in the NHL, Sunday night’s Stadium Series matchup between the Bruins and Lightning delivered more than just the usual outdoor spectacle. Sure, there were goals and the novelty of playing in a stadium, but the real headline?
A goalie fight. Yes, you read that right.
It’s not something you see every day, but it gave fans a throwback moment to savor.
Meanwhile, things are going south - fast - in Toronto. The Maple Leafs are reportedly preparing to start selling off peripheral pieces, and we’re only just into February. That’s not where this team expected to be, and the pressure is mounting north of the border.
The Bottom Line
For the Wild, the path forward is starting to come into focus. They’ve got a star defenseman who’s loving his new home, a team that’s finding its stride, and a fanbase that’s starting to believe. The next few weeks - with the Olympic freeze and trade deadline looming - will be pivotal.
But if this team keeps playing the way it did against Edmonton, the message is clear: Minnesota is for real. And Quinn Hughes is right where he wants to be.