$68M Wild superstar makes his feelings known on playing with Quinn Hughes after blockbuster trade

Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber shared his thoughts Tuesday on playing alongside newly acquired star Quinn Hughes following the blockbuster midseason trade that sent the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman from the Vancouver Canucks to Minnesota.

Faber explained that Hughes has made an immediate impact on the ice, changing how the team plays and improving the blue line.

“He's obviously a special player, special person, great teammate. So he's a competitor, you know, he's only going to get more and more comfortable here, and it's obviously shown and the way we've been playing, you know, how much he really impacts the game just by himself,” he said.

Faber signed an eight‑year $68 million contract extension with Minnesota in July last year that carries an average annual cap hit of $8.5 million and runs through the 2032‑33 season. The youngster noted that it takes some adjustment to play with a defenseman of Hughes’ offensive skill but he feels the pairing is improving and that he can support Hughes effectively.

“I’ve never played with an offensive defenseman of that caliber, so there’s a few things I want to clean up on my end. But we’re gonna keep getting better, and I’m just going to support him as best I can.”

He also praised Hughes’ communication and on-ice awareness calling him a player who “always feels like he’s in a good spot to get the puck.”

The Wild acquired Hughes on Dec. 12 in exchange for Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium and a 2026 first‑round draft pick.

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Quinn Hugehs reflected on playing alongside Brock Faber in his Wild debut

Earlier this month, Quinn Hughes made his Minnesota Wild debut and the 26-year-old defenseman had plenty to reflect on after stepping onto the ice alongside Brock Faber for the first time.

Paired as the Wild’s top defensive duo, Hughes immediately felt the potential in lining up with Faber and praising the young American’s instincts and overall play.

“I thought we were really good tonight but as we continue to read off each other and get to know each other, I think it’s going to be pretty special because he’s a fantastic player. So, it’s going to be exciting for me,” he said.

Hughes noted that the more games he plays with Faber, the better their chemistry will grow.

“I just think as I get the systems and understanding what we’re supposed to do closing guys off the rush, is the D supposed to go, is the forward supposed to go… But I think the more and more I play with Brock, we’re just going to continue to get better,” he added.

The pair were on the ice for two goals on the former Canucks captain’s debut night for his new team, with Hughes scoring his first Wild goal and Faber recording two assists.

Quinn Hughes is currently in the fifth year of his six-year $47.1 million contract with a $7.85 million cap hit, signed through the 2026‑27 season.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno