Quinn Hughes has been nothing short of transformative for the Minnesota Wild since his mid-December arrival. The team has surged to the top of the NHL in goals scored and points earned in the Western Conference, largely due to Hughes' exceptional play as one of the league's most dynamic defensemen.
Fresh off a gold medal win in Milan, where he scored the overtime winner against Sweden and led Team USA with eight points, Hughes is now bringing his star power to the national stage. He’s set to appear on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend, followed by a guest spot on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Monday.
Wild president of hockey operations and GM Bill Guerin confirmed Hughes' busy schedule. After facing the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, Hughes will jet to New York for his late-night TV appearances, all while balancing a packed game schedule with the Wild.
He'll play against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, seamlessly transitioning between his media commitments and on-ice duties.
Adding to the excitement, Hughes' younger brother, Jack, who scored the winning goal against Canada in the gold medal game, might join him on "The Tonight Show" and potentially "Saturday Night Live," depending on the Devils' schedule.
Hughes' week has been a whirlwind. After clinching gold, he celebrated with his teammates in Miami, then headed to Washington, D.C., for a White House visit in honor of their Olympic success.
From there, he flew to Minneapolis to rejoin the Wild for their game against the Avalanche, where he extended his assist and point streaks to 11 games. With 35 points in 27 games since joining the Wild, Hughes is proving to be a game-changer.
His jam-packed itinerary reflects both his rising stardom and his commitment to the Wild. As he continues to make waves on and off the ice, Hughes is not just playing the game; he's redefining what it means to be a modern NHL superstar.