NHL2 hours ago2 minute read

Quinn Hughes Stays Calm Over Contract Talks at Minnesota Camp

Quinn Hughes is in no rush to sign an extension with Minnesota as training camp begins.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

No Rush for Hughes

Quinn Hughes reported to his first training camp with the Minnesota Wild without a contract extension. While fans might feel nervous about his status, the star defenseman is not worried.

Hughes spent his summer at his lake home in Michigan with his brothers and friends. He is now entering the final year of his deal, which carries a $7.85 million cap hit. Agent Pat Brisson and Wild general manager Bill Guerin have started talks, but Hughes does not view the Oct. 1 regular season opener as a deadline.

"I don't feel stressed to do something before the season," Hughes said after practice on Thursday. "And that's not saying that something won't happen, but that's just how it is."

Committed to Minnesota

Hughes joined Minnesota in a trade from Vancouver and quickly became a core contributor. He helped lead the United States team to an Olympic gold medal in Italy, working directly with Guerin, who managed that roster as well.

In just 48 games with Minnesota, Hughes set the franchise defenseman record with 53 points. He also helped beat Dallas for the team's first playoff series victory in 11 years.

Colorado defenseman Cale Makar recently signed a record deal at $20.5 million annually, and Hughes could command huge value as well. Hughes also addressed talk about joining his brothers Jack and Luke in New Jersey. At 26, Hughes stated that he loves his current spot with the Wild and has time to play with family later. Teammate Marcus Foligno, who plays with his older brother Nick in Minnesota, agreed that playing with brothers is better near the end of a career.

Hughes expressed complete confidence in Guerin to handle his future. He called Guerin a shark who always works to make the team better.

What it means for the next game

Chicago Blackhawks at Minnesota Wild (NHL, Sun, 20 Sep): Minnesota Wild win 68%, Chicago Blackhawks win 32%; projected score Minnesota Wild 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2. Our safest pick: Wild +1.

Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks (NHL, Tue, 22 Sep): Chicago Blackhawks win 28%, Minnesota Wild win 72%; projected score Chicago Blackhawks 3, Minnesota Wild 4. Our safest pick: Blackhawks +3.