Quinn Hughes Sets His Own Clock On Wild Extension

Quinn Hughes is not putting a date on his next contract.

The Minnesota defenceman, who spoke Sept. 9 in Las Vegas at the yearly NHL/NHLPA North American player media tour, said he is not treating next week's start of Wild training camp or the season opener as a deadline.

"This is going to be done whenever I feel like it needs to be done," Hughes said. "I don't feel backed up against the wall. I'm very thoughtful. I want [to] take my time on everything and make sure I'm making a decision that is going to be good for everyone. And that's kind of where my head's been at."

He is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027. He said he set the situation aside this summer and that talks between agent Pat Brisson and general manager Bill Guerin remain in the early stages.

The money involved is the story's other half. Cale Makar signed the richest deal in league history on Aug. 28 at $20.4 million per season, and the Associated Press suggested Hughes could surpass that mark whenever he signs.

"Quinn is one of the best players in the league and has a huge deal that's going to be coming," said his brother Jack, of the New Jersey Devils. Jack is under contract through 2030, and youngest brother Luke through 2031-32, which keeps the perennial question about the three of them playing together alive. Quinn would not discuss term.

He turns 27 on Oct. 14, less than a year removed from the trade that sent him from Vancouver to Minnesota. He had a hand in Minnesota's first playoff series win in 11 years, and he spoke highly of coach John Hynes and the players around him.

"I really enjoyed my time in Minnesota last year," Hughes said. "What do I need to see from the team? Nothing. I'm happy with that aspect, for sure."

Teammate Matt Boldy, who won Olympic gold in Milan alongside Quinn and Jack, called it a personal matter.

"As much as I would love to have Quinn, it's not up to me," Boldy said. "Hopefully it all works out."