Quinn Hughes Contract Talks Heat Up as NHL Salary Cap Rises
Quinn Hughes Earns Elite Spot Among NHL 27's Top 10 Players
Quinn Hughes, the Minnesota Wild defenseman, has earned an elite spot among NHL 27's top 10 players, receiving a 95 overall rating and ranking as the No. 10 player in the game. He is tied at 95 overall with Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar, David Pastrnak, Zach Werenski, and Sidney Crosby.
NHL News Today: What's Next for Quinn Hughes?
The latest NHL News for August 16, 2026, has delivered three major offseason storylines worth watching closely as training camps inch closer. Quinn Hughes' next Minnesota Wild contract could become one of the most fascinating deals in hockey. His potential next deal is around the $19 million-per-season range, which is more than twice his current annual salary of $7.85 million.
Expect Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar to Reset the Market Again
It has been an offseason of change in the National Hockey League. A rising salary cap comes with higher player salaries, which is something the hockey world needs to get used to. We saw top guys like Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Nathan MacKinnon, Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and others set the tone ahead of this season. But with Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar eligible for contract extensions, those numbers could rise even further.
NHL Insider Drops Update on Quinn Hughes Extension With the Wild
Elliotte Friedman has popped up with an update on Quinn Hughes' potential contract extension with the Wild. He is telling Wild fans not to panic, yet. The NHL insider is saying that the contract talks are ongoing, and there is no need to worry.
NHL News Roundup: Dylan Larkin Trade Rumors, Quinn Hughes Contract Speculation, and More
August is here, and the NHL offseason has moved from massive trades and free-agent signings to planning as teams prepare for training camps. While many teams have set their main rosters, there are a few remaining situations that have the whole league talking. Trade speculation, contract negotiations, and lingering unrestricted free agents should fill the headlines until preseason activities begin.
Key Takeaways:
- Quinn Hughes' next Minnesota Wild contract could become one of the most fascinating deals in hockey.
- His potential next deal is around the $19 million-per-season range.
- The NHL salary cap is rising, leading to higher player salaries.
- Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar are eligible for contract extensions, which could lead to higher numbers.
Contract Negotiations Table:
| Player | Current AAV | Potential Next Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | $7.85 million | $19 million |
| Cale Makar | $9 million | $20 million |
| Zach Werenski | $8.25 million | $18 million |
Event Dates:
- August 16, 2026: The latest NHL News for August 16, 2026, has delivered three major offseason storylines worth watching closely as training camps inch closer.
- August 9, 2026: It has been an offseason of change in the National Hockey League.
- August 2026: August is here, and the NHL offseason has moved from massive trades and free-agent signings to planning as teams prepare for training camps.
Event Rankings:
- Quinn Hughes: 95 overall rating in NHL 27
- Cale Makar: 95 overall rating in NHL 27
- David Pastrnak: 95 overall rating in NHL 27
- Zach Werenski: 95 overall rating in NHL 27
- Sidney Crosby: 95 overall rating in NHL 27
- Connor McDavid: 99 overall rating in NHL 27
- Nathan MacKinnon: 97 overall rating in NHL 27
- Nikita Kucherov: 97 overall rating in NHL 27
- Leon Draisaitl: 96 overall rating in NHL 27