Quinn Hughes drops a big hint about his future as he remains “extremely open” about the possibility of a contract

After a less-than-impressive start to the 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Canucks traded their captain, Quinn Hughes, to Minnesota Wild. This was a surprise change because the Wild were not the team that was widely discussed as a landing spot for Hughes. It was New Jersey, which was rumored to acquire Hughes due to family ties to Jack and Luke.

All three brothers have them they previously expressed their desire to play togetherso some suspect Hughes will sign with New Jersey when his current 6-year, $47,100,000 contract expires.

However, Quinn Hughes didn’t wait long to make his position clear after joining Minnesota. After Saturday’s victory against the Boston Bruinshis comments pointed well beyond the short term.

“Extremely open-minded,” Hughes told the media. “They have an incredible core,” he said. “I’ve only been here four hours, but knowing some of the guys and how energetic and positive the guys are and then Minnesota being so close to Michigan and just the state of hockey and the passion here. Just seeing how the fans reacted to me in warmups as well.”

Before the trade, NHL expert Elliotte Friedman had reported that the Canucks and Devils were discussing a possible trade for Quinn Hughes. However, Hughes directly addressed the New Jersey rumors at the beginning of December. He downplayed reports linking him to those trade talks.

“It wasn’t like there was a call, me, Jim (Rutherford) and Fitzy (Tom Fitzgerald) jumped on the call, you know, I wasn’t part of it,” Hughes said. “But obviously I’m aware that, you know, things like that could happen, for sure.”

Nearly a week later, that calm approach led Quinn Hughes to Minnesota, where his transition game and puck movement have added control to the Wild’s blue line. The Wild acquired Hughes after trading Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and a 2026 first-round pick.

Nothing has been decided yet, and there is time left on his deal, as he will be able to sign an extension in July 2026. Still, Hughes’ tone was honest as he didn’t close any doors on the Wild.

Brother Luke’s comment on the Quinn Hughes trade

Luke Hughes kept his reaction clear after Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild. Speaking after New Jersey’s win against Anaheim, Luke admitted he would have liked to see his older brother in a Devils jersey.

“I would have loved to have him here and obviously Jack, and not just because he’s our brother, but because he’s the top two D in the league,” Luke said. “So he’s an amazing player, and … I think it would have been great to have him here, but at the same time it’s sports, and you know, he’s going to be great in Minnesota.”

At the same time, Luke accepted the reality of the business and acknowledged that Quinn Hughes is excited about his new opportunity in Minnesota.