NHL Rumor Roundup: Trade Speculation Begins About Quinn Hughes, Latest Buzz On Drake Batherson
The lack of progress in contract talks between the Minnesota Wild and Quinn Hughes could prompt more trade speculation. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to get an eight-year extension done before the Sept. 15 deadline.
Video Transcript
I'm Lyle Richardson of the Hockey News.
We're now into September, and with training camps less than two weeks away, there is no sign that Quinn Hughes is any closer to signing a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild.
And that is one of the topics of today's NHL Rumor Roundup column.
Now, during the month of August, General Manager Bill Guerin had, provided some updates indicating that he had been in constant contact with the Hughes camp regarding negotiations.
And he also preached patience to nervous Wild fans, pointing out that it had taken until late September of last year before they got superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov under contract.
Well, earlier this week, Guerin provided another update for the fans, and, he acknowledged that while Cale Makar's record-setting contract with the Colorado Avalanche does set a bar salary-wise, for Hughes, he also pointed out that Hughes is a different person with a different personality who could have different needs.
And then he also said, "Who knows what he'll end up with?"
Well, those remarks, did very little to, soothe the nerves of anxious Wild fans.
And it also prompted, Frank Seravalli to tell Sportsnet that if the, situation isn't resolved, soon, they're gonna have to reach a point where it's either decide if you're gonna sign him or if you're gonna trade him.
Now, you might ask why would the, you know, any team want to acquire him, when they could just wait to get him next summer?
And I'm specifically referring to the New Jersey Devils because, of course, it's a-- Well, it's probably a worst-kept secret that the Hughes brothers want to play together someday.
Well, the reason why it might make sense for the Devils to acquire him via trade if he becomes available is that they would have him for an extra year, a full season, in fact.
Plus, it would also give them exclusive negotiation rights
