Quinn Hughes Contract Update: Wild GM Bill Guerin Admits Uncertainty Over Defenseman’s Future

Bill Guerin Unsure How Quinn Hughes’ Contract Situation Will End© Instagram

Bill Guerin is not ready to promise that Quinn Hughes will finish the season in Minnesota. He is not ready to say he will trade him, either.

The Wild general manager gave a blunt account of the situation Wednesday on WCCO Radio's The Chad Hartman Show, saying he had not discussed an extension with Hughes' representatives in a long time. Hughes can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, leaving Minnesota with a decision that gets harder the better the team plays. “I don't know what I'm going to do,” Guerin said.

Guerin Has No Deadline For Hughes Decision

Minnesota has started 9-3-2, and Hughes has contributed 18 points in 14 games. His 15 assists through those opening 14 games rank fourth across the NHL. Moving him would take a major player out of a team trying to win now. Keeping him without an extension would carry the risk of losing him in free agency. Guerin acknowledged that he will eventually have to work out what serves the Wild best. For the moment, he believes having Hughes in the lineup does exactly that. “There's no date,” he said.

The 27-year-old is in the final season of the six-year, $47.1 million contract he signed with Vancouver in October 2021. It carries a $7.85 million annual cap hit. He became eligible to sign an extension with Minnesota on July 1.Guerin said Hughes' camp knows where the Wild stand. He has been giving the defenseman room to make his decision rather than repeatedly pressing for an answer. “There's nothing to talk about right now,” Guerin said.

Hughes Has Spoken Warmly About Minnesota

The uncertainty follows comments from Hughes that gave Wild fans reason to hope an agreement might be approaching. Speaking Saturday, he said his feet were planted in Minnesota and suggested something could happen soon.

He also described enjoying the opportunity to play alongside Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek, with the Wild able to put considerable offensive talent on the ice together.Sunday brought a less welcoming reception in Vancouver. Canucks fans chanted about Hughes not signing during Minnesota's 4-2 win, his first game back there since the December trade.

The Wild paid heavily to acquire him, sending Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and a first-round pick to Vancouver. Hughes' brothers, Jack and Luke, play for New Jersey, adding another layer to the speculation over his future. Guerin, meanwhile, said he is letting Hughes play and concentrating on winning games.