NHL Shockwaves: Unexpected Consequences Emerge After Quinn Hughes Trade to the Wild

The shockwaves from Quinn Hughes’ trade to the Minnesota Wild are still rippling through the NHL, but one thing’s crystal clear: the Wild haven’t been handed any guarantees from Hughes’ camp about signing an extension post-July 1st. Despite GM Bill Guerin’s familiarity with Hughes, the future remains intriguingly uncertain. What gives Minnesota a slight edge, though, is a unique window to offer an eight-year deal loaded with front-loaded bonuses — a strategy no other team can employ before the CBA shifts next September. Meanwhile, the fallout from the blockbuster trade reveals the fierce competition the Canucks faced, with multiple teams pitching strong offers for Hughes. In the end, it was the Wild who got the deal done, outbidding the likes of the Devils and Capitals, who reportedly dangled enticing pieces but couldn’t quite meet Minnesota’s terms. The hockey world will be watching closely to see if Minnesota’s bold move pays off — or if Hughes walks away down the line. LEARN MORE

No assurances given to the Wild by Quinn Hughes’ camp

Michael Russo: Sources said last night that there have been no assurances given to the Minnesota Wild that Quinn Hughes would sign an extension with them after July 1st. Wild GM Bill Guerin does know him well, though.

Chris Johnston: One great advantage the Wild now have over any other team that could potentially sign Hughes if he got to UFA is:

“They’ll be the only team who can sign him for 8 years with a front-loaded structure including unlimited signing bonuses, before the CBA rules change Sept. 15.”

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Some fallout after Quinn was traded last night

Pierre LeBrun: Was told that the Canucks got six legit trade offer for Hughes, and that lots of teams called to inquire. That explains the quality that the Canucks were able to get from the Wild.

Darren Dreger: “The Canucks have known for a while Hughes wasn’t going to extend. Van believed their leverage was highest in Dec-Jan. NJD were given a chance. Other teams in east had a chance. A week ago Guerin engaged and closed the deal.”

Pierre LeBrun: Heard that the New Jersey Devils made, what they felt, was a strong first offer to the Canucks for Hughes. It obviously didn’t generate enough traction for the Canucks.

Jim Biringer: “As Rutherford said tonight nobody was matching what Minnesota offered. Despite it being a strong offer you wonder about that first round pick and how Rutherford stated it is a strong draft. Maybe the Devils wanted it protected. But they didn’t have the assets to get it done #njdevils“

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Jimmy Murphy: Heard that the Washington Capitals and Canucks had talked about a deal involving Connor McMichael, Cole Hutson, a prospect, and two first-round draft picks.

Believe that the Wild’s offer was better than the Capitals offer.

Marco D’Amico: Sources say that the Devils and Capitals both had potential pieces that they could have included to get a deal done, but the Wild step up and outbid them.

• Marco D’Amico: The Capitals really like Cole Hutson.
• “To clarify, Hutson was also one of the desired pieces. Capitals could have included him, both sides discussed his name. But the ask was getting a little too rich with other names and assets requested. Minnesota ended up stepping up and paying the price in the last 24 hours.”

Max Bultman: Was a big miss by the Detroit Red Wings.

Max Bultman: “Wild package for Hughes is massive, and I can understand Red Wings hesitance. Matching Buium would have been particularly tough. But guys like Hughes rarely come available. They may now have to wait until (if) he’s a free agent for another chance. We’ll see.”

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