Quinn Hughes' latest interview should excite Wild fans

Quinn Hughes says he feels “at peace” amid speculation about his contract with the Wild.

At the NHL’s North American Media Tour in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Hughes told the assembled press that he “didn’t feel backed up against a wall” as the Wild aim to sign him to a long-term extension.

Following last season’s playoff exit, Hughes mentioned his openness to re-signing with the organization that gave up a haul to acquire him from Vancouver last December. Yet, with less than a month before the season gets underway, Hughes remains without an extension heading into the final year of his contract.

In a podcast with league insider Elliotte Friedman that dropped on Thursday, Hughes provided even more insights into his thought process and certainly gave Wild fans hope of a long-term future in Minnesota.

Hughes feels ‘at peace’

“I mean, to be honest, I’m not thinking too much,” Hughes said. “I’m excited to go to camp. I loved my season, my time in Minnesota last year.”

“I’m excited to go back,” continued Hughes. “Me and [Wild GM Bill Guerin] will be talking more, I’m sure. I don’t feel like necessarily something needs to get done in the next day or so. If it does, then it does. But, for right now, I’m just excited to get going at camp. Me and Billy will be in constant communication; we’re pretty close.”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Kx2CVnrONbdzwk5QvdcNz?si=jwrYw0WvSPSm1SKcKAkj8Q

Hughes said he doesn’t care if he has to go into the season without an extension and is forced to repeatedly answer the same questions about his situation.

“If someone asks me the same question 100 times, like, whatever,” said Hughes. “Like, to me, I’m, like I just said, I feel like I’m primed to be at my best if I can stay healthy, I feel like I’m ready to go. I think I have a lot of experiences in the past with dealing with things, and, to be honest, I just feel at peace.”

Throughout the interview, Hughes pointed out how excited he is about taking the ice again with his Wild teammates. At one point, he talked about how not having Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin in the Colorado playoff series hurt them. Hughes said that he was “excited” to play alongside defenseman Brock Faber, as well as get on the power play with Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov.

Hughes specifically pointed out that he’s looking forward to starting the season from scratch with his Wild teammates, instead of joining midway through the season like last year.

“I just feel at peace,” continued Hughes. “I feel like there’s a lot to look forward to this year. As far as the noise, if someone wants to ask me the question, I’m not basing decisions because I don’t want to answer questions like (that). I’m going to take my time and Billy’s going to take his time, and I’m sure we’re going to work it out.”

When it was pointed out that the ‘we’re going to work it out’ line is going to go viral, Hughes, again, didn’t seem to care.

“I can’t control who posts what,” said Hughes. “I mean, I’m saying what I’m saying, and whoever wants to post any tidbit is welcome to do so.”

Impact of his relationship with Bill Guerin

Since joining the Wild in a blockbuster trade last December, Hughes hasn’t been shy about stating how he feels about Guerin. He often refers to him as “Billy” and has acknowledged that it meant a lot that Guerin was willing to give up so many pieces to acquire him.

“Yeah, I mean, I have a great relationship with Billy. I have a really good relationship with Billy. That dates back to the Four Nations,” said Hughes when asked if the haul that Minnesota gave up impacts his decision-making. “Dating back to that, I have a great relationship with (Bill Guerin), and he did give up what he gave up to get me. I’m a very thoughtful person, and every little part and detail goes into decision-making.

“But I can’t say that because of that it would be on the front of leading a decision, or whatnot. At the end of the day, I got to do what’s best for myself, and I think I’ve earned that right. You play seven, eight years to get to decide what you want to do. You know, I do love it in Minnesota.”

Should Wild fans be worried?

Even though Minnesota fans went through a similar situation with Kirill Kaprizov last summer, there’s still some doubt that Hughes will eventually sign the way Kaprizov did.

When asked if Wild fans should be worried, Hughes simply responded, “No,” and potentially hinted at a possible big trade for the Wild in the future.

“I mean, I’m just going through the process,” Hughes said. “Like I said, I don’t feel boxed into doing anything because the media wants to ask me a question, or I’m worried about people asking me a question in every city. I feel at peace. I’m ready to go.

“I think Wild fans should be excited about watching us play. I think guys are going to be at their best when the guys are hungry. We’re healthy. You guys know Billy. I mean, Billy could make a massive trade and add to our team at any point. I think Wild fans should be extremely excited for the year.”

Impact of Cale Makar’s record extension

Makar signed a record-breaking deal that made him the highest-paid player in the league. Hughes, who is often considered with Makar as the two best defensemen in the world, said he’s happy for his rival.

“Obviously it’s life-changing money,” Hughes said. “He already had a great deal and a lot of money in the bank. Hear nothing but great things about him. He seems like he’s a fantastic person. He’s been nothing but a professional in Colorado for the last seven, eight years, and they’ve been really lucky to have him.

“I’ve seen some things where, it’s like, ‘That’s a lot of money.’ To me, I think you can’t pay a guy like that enough. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s underpaid in a couple years. That would be the best thing ever for the league to see that and to see the cap just keep going (up). I was happy for him. I think he deserves it.”

Hughes didn’t shy away from how Makar’s contract impacts his thought process on his contract situation. When asked if it matters to him that he’s the highest-paid defenseman in the league, Hughes said it “would be an incredible honor.”

“I definitely didn’t go into my career thinking that would ever be a possibility,” Hughes explained. “I mean, I’ve made $7.85 (million) the last couple years, but I still think I’m one of the best, if not the best. So, it’s not like I feel like I need to raise the bar to prove anything. I think you just got to watch me on the ice.

“But I do think it’s important that if you’re good at your job, you should get paid accordingly. You know, if this person’s getting fair price for you and you’re doing great service for them, you should get paid for that. I believe in fair deals. Like, if you’re great at your job, you should get paid accordingly. So, that’s what I feel about that.”