The talk surrounding Quinn Hughes heading to New Jersey is nothing new. It’s actually one of those rumors fans are just tired of. But there’s something about the most recent chatter that should make Devils fans bullish about Hughes’ chances of joining his brothers in the not-too-distant future.
In his latest appearance on NHL Tonight, insider Elliotte Friedman continued to share his prediction that Hughes would sign a three-year deal in the $18 million AAV range. He's been saying the same thing since May.
Given everything we know about the current market, it’s not outrageous to think that’s where this situation is heading. However, there’s a layer of subtext there most are not really seeing. Hughes’ camp is playing hardball with the Minnesota Wild. It almost seems as though they’re purposely making it hard for Minnesota to the point where the Wild will just move on from Hughes.
That’s a last-ditch effort for the Wild. So, the only real option for the team will be to pay up.
In Hughes’ mind, meanwhile, it’s something like, “You have to pay up in order for me to pass on playing with my brothers.”
And even then, Hughes isn’t committing to the Wild long-term. A three-year deal isn’t a full-fledged commitment to the organization. It’s more of a let’s-wait-and-see what happens type of situation. Of course, we all know that no major star will be signing a max-term deal, certainly not with the cap going up. But you have to think that Hughes wants to put the clamps on the Wild if they really want to keep him.
Would Hughes give Devils a break on a new contract?
Okay, so if Hughes is putting the screws to the Wild, would he do the same to the Devils? Perhaps not.
It seems that the Wild will have to pay for Hughes’ opportunity cost. Hughes knows that he will get paid by every other team in the NHL. Any team with a realistic shot at keeping Hughes will give him pretty much whatever he wants to stay.
Except for the Devils. New Jersey is the only team that offers a crucial incentive: Playing with his brothers. And that opportunity cost could motivate Hughes to take a bit less just for the chance to be with his brothers moving forward.
That’s an intriguing possibility. And it’s one that should have Devils fans feeling bullish about the third Hughes brother landing in New Jersey.
Now, is it actually realistic? That’s another question entirely. The likelihood is that the Wild pay up and keep Quinn Hughes in the short term.
Even if that’s the case, it doesn’t preclude Hughes from eventually reaching New Jersey.
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