The Minnesota Wild still aren’t at the point where Quinn Hughes’ extension talks have turned into the real thing.
According to Michael Russo, Wild GM Bill Guerin and Hughes’ agent Pat Brisson have only gotten into preliminary extension discussions so far. The reason is simple enough: both sides have been busy, and the serious negotiating phase hasn’t started yet.
“Quinn and I have talked a number of times. When the dust settles here, now we can really focus and give our undivided attention to Quinn’s situation.”
Elsewhere, the Winnipeg Jets may be eyeing a different kind of reset. Mike McIntyre reported that the club could try to get younger and faster by moving out some forwards, with Nino Niederreiter, Vladislav Namestnikov, and/or Alex Iafallo mentioned as possible candidates. Winnipeg is also expected to add more defensive depth.
In Nashville, the roster math is already forcing action. Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean reported that after the first day of free agency, the Predators have 26 players under contract, which leaves them three over the roster limit and means GM Chris MacFarland will need to clear space.
“It’s going to require some tough decisions,” MacFarland told reporters at Bridgestone Arena on July 1. “Moving some players that maybe you wouldn’t normally look to move in order to improve key areas of the ice.”
He also said, “It’s going to require some creativity. It’s going to be required to thread the needle at times.”
MacFarland added that he wants to bring in more “puck skill” on the blue line. Nashville also has to sign Mavrik Bourque, whom they acquired yesterday, and that deal could land in the $5 to $7 million range.
In Other News...
Cheveldayoff Just Turned Up The Pressure On Jets Biggest Offseason Questions
Kevin Cheveldayoff spent his latest update doing what general managers often do in early July: drawing a line between what the Jets wanted in free agency and what they actually landed. He pointed to defenseman Mario Ferraro and goaltender Stuart Skinner as the clubs top targets, a useful snapshot of the type of players Winnipeg is chasing as it tries to reshape the roster around speed and youth.
The bigger immediate issue, though, is still internal. Cole Perfetti remains the key restricted free agent on the board, and the Jets want to get that situation settled as they keep sorting through the rest of the offseason picture. Cheveldayoff also left the door open on the broader roster build, stressing a preference for younger, faster players while the front office continues to weigh its next moves. [Read more 🡒]