Quinn Hughes could earn $16M-$18M AAV in new Wild contract

Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild continue to work toward a contract extension, with expectations growing that the star defenseman could become one of the NHL‘s highest-paid players.

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In a recent column for The Athletic, NHL reporter Joe Smith said negotiations remain active despite no immediate breakthrough.

“They’re working on it, but a deal isn’t imminent,” Smith wrote, citing league sources. He added, “That doesn’t mean there should be a cause for concern.”

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Minnesota has made Hughes its top offseason priority after acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks in a blockbuster trade during the 2025-26 season. According to Smith, both sides remain focused on reaching an agreement.

“What we’ve reported for a while is that the deal is likely to be for three years,” Smith wrote. “The contract projection is of an AAV in the $16-18 million range, depending on term.”

That figure would place Hughes alongside teammate Kirill Kaprizov, whose $17 million annual cap hit begins this season, among the league’s highest-paid players.

Minnesota betting on Quinn Hughes & Kirill Kaprizov’s elite talent

Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Smith acknowledged the financial challenge of carrying two massive contracts. “That would mean Minnesota would have a huge chunk of their cap in two players,” he wrote.

He also explained why the Wild appear comfortable with that approach. He wrote, “When you consider these are two of the league’s best players at their positions, and the going rate these days, this is a dilemma most GMs wouldn’t mind having.”

Hughes has earned that valuation after another strong season. He posted 76 points in 74 regular-season games, led the league in average ice time at 27:44 per game, and added 15 points during Minnesota’s playoff run in just 11 games.

The 2026 Olympic gold medalist also delivered one of the tournament’s defining moments with his overtime winner against Sweden.

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The Wild currently have little cap flexibility, making the negotiations more about structure than commitment. Hughes remains under contract through the 2026-27 season, allowing both sides time to finalize terms.

If Minnesota completes the extension near the projected range, it will signal complete confidence that Hughes and Kaprizov are the franchise pillars capable of keeping the Wild among the NHL’s contenders for years to come.

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