Hughes in no rush on new contract, says he's happy with Minnesota

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is entering the final season of his current contract, which carries an average annual value of $7.85 million. Negotiations on a new deal between his agent and Wild general manager Bill Guerin have already begun, but the 26-year-old American says he does not view the October 1 start of the regular season as a deadline by which an agreement must be reached.

Hughes said he feels no stress about getting something done before the season starts, adding that this doesn't mean nothing will happen — it's simply where things stand right now. For context on potential contract value, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar signed the richest contract in NHL history last month, carrying an average annual value of $20.5 million, reflecting current market trends for top defensemen.

Fitting in with the team

Hughes also addressed previous speculation about his desire to eventually play alongside his younger brothers, Jack and Luke, who both play for the New Jersey Devils. He said he is very happy in Minnesota, enjoys his teammates and the team as a whole, and feels he fits in well. While the idea of playing together with his brothers appeals to him, he said he would not give up a great situation just for that.

Hughes arrived in Minnesota midway through last season following a major trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Shortly afterward, he helped the U.S. national team win gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. In just 48 regular-season games with the Wild, he racked up 53 points, setting a new club record for defensemen. He was also among the team's leaders in the first round of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars, as Minnesota won the series and advanced past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

Discussing his relationship with the front office, Hughes expressed full trust in Guerin, with whom he has also built a strong rapport through the U.S. national team. He said he doesn't need to push the general manager to act, noting that Guerin always looks out for the team's needs and takes every opportunity to make the roster better.