It’s the middle of September, and Quinn Hughes still doesn’t have a contract extension signed with the Minnesota Wild. That has caused a lot of rumors, fear mongering, fighting amongst fanbases, and even some snippy reporters. The situation has been driving the conversation throughout the offseason, and it’s made a quiet August must more palatable from a hockey standpoint.
However, the most likely scenario has always seemed like a three-year extension for Quinn Hughes that would line him up with his brother Jack Hughes. Then, they could choose their next destination together and wait for Luke Hughes to sign his deal in the future.
Until Quinn Hughes actually does that, the New Jersey Devils rumors persist. We all knew that Jack and Quinn Hughes were going to NHL Media Day this week, and we knew they were going to be asked about the trade speculation.
Just last year, Jack Hughes caused a firestorm of rumors when he said to reporters that he wanted to play with his brother, whether it was with the Devils or elsewhere. They got to do that at the 2026 Olympics, where Jack Hughes famously scored the Golden Goal. Playing together had to feel good, but Luke Hughes was missing from the equation as he was recovering from a shoulder injury.
This season, with Quinn on a new team, we didn’t get that newsworthy headline, but the quote given by the Devils’ star is still very interesting.
Asked Jack Hughes on whether there's a bit of envy seeing the Tkachuks united. Do he and Luke long for Quinn?
— Matt Larkin (@MLarkinHockey) September 9, 2026
A very thoughtful answer from the #NJDevils captain, pointing out that Brady's deal was much easier to move than Quinn's next AAV would be... pic.twitter.com/mSps0cxw2l
There’s an issue with the quote. Jack Hughes was a little too specific about the reasons why Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes might not play together. He talked about the simple price of admission. Quinn Hughes is probably going to make $20+ million per season on his next deal, no matter how long it is. With Jack and Luke Hughes combining for $17 million, could any team make $37 million for three players work?
Jack Hughes's Quinn Hughes quote is not what Devils fans want to hear
Well, yes.
That’s the new world we live in. Players make more money now. The salary cap is going up. The Anaheim Ducks are about to pay $33+ million for two players. So, hearing Jack Hughes talk about money and why that might make things hard shows that this is a discussion they’ve already had.
This is all good news for the Minnesota Wild fans, but it could also be a smokescreen. The Wild’s top defenseman hasn’t asked for a trade like so many other Team USA stars. He hasn’t forced his way to join his brothers like Brady Tkachuk did. The Devils still have a chance, but these comments didn’t help.
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