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Quinn Hughes Open to Stay; Wild Must Extend by 2026

5/16/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Quinn Hughes Extension

Quinn Hughes entered the final year of his six-year, $47.1 million contract with a $7.85 million cap hit after Minnesota’s quarterfinal loss to Colorado.
He recorded 53 points (5 goals, 48 assists) in 48 games, added 15 playoff points, and said he is definitely open to re-signing with GM Bill Guerin.
Guerin must secure an extension by July 1, 2026 or risk trading Hughes, because the Wild have about $13 million cap space for 2026-27.

Summary

Quinn Hughes Trade

The New York Rangers are a top trade target for Quinn Hughes if he stays unsigned.
Hughes posted 7 goals, 69 assists and 76 points in 74 games with Vancouver and Minnesota.
New York holds two first-round picks, the highest at fifth overall, and cap space after trading Panarin.
GM Chris Drury showed interest, planning to pair Hughes with Adam Fox and a rivalry with his brothers on the Devils.

History

Historical Context

The 2005 NHL lockout ended with a hard salary cap of $39 million per team, the first such limit in the league’s history. That cap has been raised each CBA cycle, reaching $81.5 million by the 2020-21 season. Today, GM Bill Guerin’s Wild keep about $13 million of cap room for 2026-27, while Rangers GM Chris Drury uses draft picks and remaining room to target Quinn Hughes.

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Quinn Hughes Extension

Quinn Hughes entered the final year of his six-year, $47.1 million contract with a $7.85 million cap hit after Minnesota’s quarterfinal loss to Colorado.
He recorded 53 points (5 goals, 48 assists) in 48 games, added 15 playoff points, and said he is definitely open to re-signing with GM Bill Guerin.
Guerin must secure an extension by July 1, 2026 or risk trading Hughes, because the Wild have about $13 million cap space for 2026-27.

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