Rumors around the Minnesota Wild’s interest in Jack Hughes have taken on a new layer, and it starts with the bigger question hanging over Quinn Hughes.
On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, host Pasha Eshghi suggested that Minnesota’s reported inquiry into Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils could be tied to nerves about Quinn’s future with the Wild.
“The thing was Russo, who said that Garren has called New Jersey about Jack Hughes. No, obviously Guerin would want Jack Hughes. If anything, it shows me that he's a little bit antsy that Quinn might not re-sign," said Eshghi.
He followed that up with another warning sign from his perspective:
"And also, it came out that there's been no progress in contract talks with Quinn in Minnesota. And again, I'm not saying he's going to Jersey, but like you've got to be a little bit nervous as a Wild fan. And it came out this morning that they haven't progressed in talks because Guerin has been too busy with other things.
Minnesota’s need at center is part of why this chatter has picked up. The Wild are looking for a dependable option down the middle, a hole that stood out during the playoffs when the team leaned heavily on its young players there.
Quinn Hughes was acquired by the Wild in a blockbuster trade with the Vancouver Canucks in December of last year, and his contract situation has become a major storyline as Minnesota works to keep him long term.
That uncertainty is what has fueled speculation that the Wild could try to bring in more Hughes family talent by pursuing Jack. Still, a blockbuster deal for Jack looks unlikely right now, with his massive contract and steep asking price making that kind of move a long shot for the Devils star.
There was also a more encouraging development on Quinn’s side. NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently said the Wild and Quinn’s camp are moving closer to an extension, with an average annual value of $17 million or more.
“Quinn Hughes’ extension…they’re getting there; around 17 [million AAV] if not higher - Hello Hockey,” said Pagnotta on Hello Hockey.
If that number holds, Quinn would sit second on the Wild with a $17 million AAV alongside forward Kirill Kaprizov. It would also put him tied as the second-highest paid player in the league with Kaprizov.
For now, Leo Carlsson holds the top spot after the Anaheim Ducks matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ $18 million AAV offer sheet.
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