Quinn Hughes is making waves both on and off the ice, transforming the Minnesota Wild into a powerhouse since his arrival in mid-December. The team has been on an offensive tear, leading the NHL in goals and topping the Western Conference in points, thanks in no small part to Hughes' dynamic play as one of the league's top defensemen.
Fresh from a gold medal victory in Milan, where he scored the overtime winner against Sweden and led Team USA with eight points, Hughes is now stepping into the national spotlight. 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 the news, adding that Hughes will be juggling a hectic schedule. After playing against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, Hughes will head to New York for his "SNL" appearance, then return to Minnesota to face the St.
Louis Blues on Sunday. He'll be back in New York on Monday for Fallon, before returning to Minnesota to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.
Adding to the excitement, Hughes' younger brother, Jack, who scored the "Golden Goal" against Canada, might join him on "The Tonight Show" and potentially "SNL," depending on the Devils' schedule.
Hughes' week has been nothing short of whirlwind. After clinching gold, he celebrated with his teammates in Miami before heading to Washington, D.C., for a White House visit during the State of the Union. He then flew to Minneapolis, joined his Wild teammates, and traveled to Denver for a 5-2 victory over the Avalanche, where he extended his assist and point streaks to 11 games-the longest active streaks in the NHL.
With 35 points in 27 games since joining the Wild, Hughes is not just playing hockey; he's redefining what it means to be a superstar, both on the ice and in the spotlight.