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Quinn Hughes-Devils Speculation Takes Turn Amid Pending Minnesota Wild Extension
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- Quinn Hughes-Devils Speculation Takes Turn Amid Pending Minnesota Wild Extension
Quinn Hughes' long-term future remains unsettled as the Minnesota Wild try to secure the star defenseman beyond the 2026-27 season.
Amid a contract-extension stalemate, Daily Faceoff's David Pagnotta has pushed back on the assumption that the New Jersey Devils would be Hughes' obvious destination if he leaves Minnesota next summer.
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Pagnotta said on Friday he is not convinced Hughes would automatically join the Devils if he reaches free agency, despite New Jersey having his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes.
"I'm still hesitant on Quinn Hughes," Pagnotta said. "I know everybody wants the brother thing, and they've talked about it. I'm not fully sold. I think there are a couple of nearby options that I think he would consider."
While Pagnotta didn't mention any franchise, the closest geographic alternatives to the Devils include the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
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However, Pagnotta explained why New Jersey may not be an immediate fit, even after the Devils acquired golie Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.
"It may not be an immediate fit for New Jersey right now," Pagnotta said. "But if you look at what they pulled off with Connor Hellebuyck, if you get an opportunity to acquire this type of player, you're going to try to do that."
All that said, Pagnotta views Minnesota as the most likely landing spot for Hughes, which means both sides will eventually agree to an extension.
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"I still think they're probably number one on his list," Pagnotta said.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) celebrates after scoring a goal at Grand Casino Arena.Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Hughes has 18 points (three goals, 15 assists) in 14 games and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the campaign.
The defenseman signed a six-year, $47.1 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021 before being traded to Minnesota midway through last season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
