Devils Lurking, Wild Waiting: Friedman Says Hughes Talks Stalled

Concern Brewing?

Friedman said he doesn’t believe it is time to panic just yet. There is still lots of time left in the summer, and once all of the vacationing and fun dials down, the sides should meet once again. Minnesota GM Bill Guerin was recently on SKOR North – Minnesota Sports Judd’s Hockey Talk, where he was asked about an update on contract negotiations:

“I’m not gonna get too far into it, but I have been talking to his camp all along. These things take time, they are big decisions for players and teams, so it’s a process to work through it.”

Friedman went on to mention that the newer deals, such as Leo Carlsson getting $18 million AAV and Macklin Celebrini getting $18.8 million AAV, have made these numbers tougher to narrow down. The good news for Wild Fans? Friedman mentions he won’t start worrying until the season begins:

“I will worry about this if it’s not done by the start of the season. If it’s not done by the start of the… that’s just my personal feeling. If it’s not done by the start of the season, then i’ll start to say, “hey, what’s… what’s going on here?”

Waiting In The Wings

Hughes has one year left on his deal that pays him $7.85 million AAV. He can become an Unrestricted Free Agent on July 1st, 2027, when every team can talk to him. However, the New Jersey Devils have been waiting to see how this all plays out. It is not a secret that the three Hughes Brothers wish to play together someday. Two of them currently play for the Devils in Jack and Luke Hughes.

A lot of the Devils’ offseason has been waiting to see how this all plays out. The rumored three-year deal for Quinn Hughes lines up right with Jack Hughes having three years left on his deal. I am sure the Devils GM, Sunny Mehta, will be the first to call Bill Guerin if Quinn Hughes is still unsigned to start the season.

Would Guerin move Quinn if a deal is not done? It might be best to get some assets back, especially knowing the likelihood of him joining his brothers in New Jersey. It will be a fascinating story to watch over the next month and a half, as we get closer to the season. Bill Guerin has never been shy to make a big deal, and he might have his biggest yet to come.