Wild's Bill Guerin 'confident' in Quinn Hughes talks with season nearing
Wild GM Bill Guerin says the sides are "talking all the time."
Wild General Manager Bill Guerin remains optimistic about the ongoing negotiations with defenseman Quinn Hughes as the team's season nears its conclusion. At the Minnesota State Fair, Guerin reiterated his commitment to keeping Hughes on the team despite the crowded NHL financial landscape. The recent eight-year, $20.4 million contract extension signed by Colorado's Cale Makar has set a precedent for top defenseman salaries, with Hughes often compared to Makar in skill level.
The Wild's acquisition of Hughes in December has bolstered their position to offer another lucrative deal, but negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion. A key factor in the delay is the length of the extension, as the Wild can offer Hughes an eight-year contract until September 15, when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement takes effect, after which the maximum contract length drops to seven years.
Hughes has expressed his desire to align his contract with his brother Jack's in New Jersey, potentially seeking only a three-year deal. Despite the challenges, Guerin remains confident in the team's ability to reach an agreement with Hughes.
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