Quinn Hughes drops big hint on his future as he remains 'extremely open-minded' about contract possibility

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

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

However, Quinn Hughes did not wait long to make his stance clear after joining Minnesota. Following Saturday’s win against the Boston Bruins, his comments pointed far beyond the short term.

“Extremely open-minded," Hughes said to the media. "They got an amazing core," he said. "I’ve only been here four hours but getting to know some of the guys and how energetic and positive 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 as well in warmups."

Before the trade, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had reported that the Canucks and Devils were discussing a potential Quinn Hughes trade. However, Hughes addressed the New Jersey rumors directly in early December. He downplayed reports linking him to those trade talks.

"It wasn’t like, if there was a call, me, Jim [Rutherford], and Fitzy [Tom Fitzgerald] hopped on the call, you know, I wasn’t a part of that," Hughes said. "But obviously I’m aware that, you know, things like that could happen, for sure."

Almost 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 is decided yet, and time remains on his deal, as he will be eligible to sign an extension in July 2026. Still, Hughes’ tone felt honest as he did not close any doors for Wild.

Brother Luke's comment on 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 loved 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 'cause he's top two D in the league," Luke said. "So, he's an unbelievable 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 gonna 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.

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama

Edited by Ankit Kumar