NHL Power Play: Wild's Hughes Gamble May Pay Off in the End In a bold move, the Minnesota Wild have taken a chance on star defenseman Quinn Hughes, trading for the 24-year-old without securing a contract extension. The risk is significant, as Hughes is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, but hockey insider Elliot Friedman believes the Wild are well-positioned to eventually lock him down long-term. With Hughes' impressive on-ice presence and defensive skills, the Wild are hoping to build a strong foundation for their future, and Friedman's analysis suggests that their gamble may pay off in the end. Will the Wild's bet on Hughes prove to be a smart one, or will they be left wondering what could have been?


The Minnesota Wild took a bit of a gamble when they traded for Quinn Hughes without knowing if he'd sign a contract extension with them. Friedman thinks they're in a good position to eventually extend him.