Elliotte Friedman from NHL Network expressed his belief that Quinn Hughes will eventually sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. Friedman anticipates a three-year deal for the defenseman.
During a discussion, Mike Rupp inquired about the possibility of Hughes re-signing with the Wild, particularly in relation to the team’s success. Friedman, acknowledging Rupp’s potential bias towards the New Jersey Devils, stated his prediction on his podcast that Hughes will indeed extend his contract with Minnesota.
Friedman cited several reasons for his prediction. He believes Hughes recognizes the positive situation he has with the Wild and that the team also benefits from his presence. He highlighted the strength of the Wild’s current roster and the long-term contracts of key players like Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, and Brock Faber. Additionally, he mentioned the promising future of young goalie Jesper Wallstedt, who recently made history in the playoffs.
Initially, Friedman suggested that Hughes might have been hesitant about Minnesota, but he believes advisors influenced him by pointing out the team’s quality and the long-term security of its core players. Friedman thinks Hughes has embraced this environment.
Furthermore, Friedman believes Hughes respects Wild General Manager Bill Guerin’s decision to acquire him without a guaranteed extension. He feels Hughes appreciates this trust, especially now that he has seen the team’s strong performance and prospects. This appreciation, in Friedman’s view, will lead Hughes to reward the organization.
Friedman reiterated his prediction of a three-year extension for Quinn Hughes, expressing confidence in his forecast.
English Translation:
Are things pointing to Quinn Hughes eventually signing a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild?
NHL Network: Elliotte Friedman would be surprised if Quinn Hughes doesn’t sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, and Friedman predicts a three-year extension.
Mike Rupp asked about the likelihood of Quinn Hughes re-signing with the Minnesota Wild, considering the team’s success. Friedman, playfully acknowledging Rupp’s potential New Jersey Devils affiliation, stated his prediction that Hughes will extend his contract with Minnesota.
Friedman believes Hughes recognizes he has a good situation with the Wild, and vice versa. He pointed to the team’s strong core and long-term contracts for key players like Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, and Brock Faber. He also noted the bright future of young goalie Jesper Wallstedt.
Friedman suggested that Hughes may have initially been uncertain about Minnesota but was persuaded by others to consider the team’s quality and the long-term commitment of its core players, a prospect that has materialized.
Crucially, Friedman believes Hughes respects General Manager Bill Guerin’s bold move to acquire him without a pre-arranged extension. He feels Hughes appreciates this trust, especially now that he has witnessed the team’s strong performance and outlook, and that he will reward the organization for it.
Friedman’s prediction remains a three-year extension, and he awaits confirmation of his forecast.