Austin Konenski
Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild were knocked out of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche. It was a disappointing end to a season that featured high expectations after Hughes was traded to Minnesota. However, could this partnership end up being a one-and-done?
This seems like a possibility, so what would it actually take for Hughes to end up in Detroit? Here is what needs to happen for the Detroit Red Wings.
Quinn Hughes must refuse an extension with the Minnesota Wild
If Detroit wants any chance of landing Hughes during the 2026 NHL offseason, it starts with the defenseman’s intentions. After being traded to Minnesota, Hughes wasn’t able to sign a contract extension since he is not eligible until July 1, 2026. However, what if the Wild aren’t able to complete a contract extension?
In the scenario where Hughes refuses to sign with Minnesota, the organization would be incentivized to move him this offseason or at the 2027 NHL trade deadline. The Wild gave up a lot of assets to acquire the 26-year-old defenseman, so losing him in 2027 NHL free agency would be detrimental.
Therefore, it makes the most sense to trade Hughes during the offseason to get more value. More likely than not, Hughes will sign a contract extension with Minnesota, and an NHL insider recently predicted that it would be a three-year deal. If not, it would allow Detroit to correct a mistake that it made during the 2026-27 NHL season.
After all, it is hard to acquire NHL stars, and Detroit had the opportunity to acquire Hughes in December 2025.
Detroit Red Wings must complete an extension with Hughes
The Red Wings had an opportunity to trade for Hughes during the 2026-27 NHL season. The star defenseman is from Michigan and had Detroit as one of his preferred destinations. However, the organization reportedly refused to acquire Hughes without a contract extension.
It was a mistake to allow Hughes to go to Minnesota while Detroit more than likely would’ve been able to complete an extension this summer. If the Wild trade Hughes since he refuses to sign a contract extension, the vibe surrounding a potential deal would have to be similar. The Red Wings would have to complete an extension with Hughes.
In December, the 26-year-old defenseman wasn’t allowed to sign a contract extension, as he couldn’t complete one until July. Now, Hughes would likely have to give another team reassurance that he would re-sign to give up assets. After all, one year of Hughes wouldn’t be worth “giving up the farm.”
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman reportedly wanted a verbal extension in December, but this time would be different. If Hughes declines to sign a contract with Minnesota, it means that he has his eyes on a specific organization. It could be Detroit or the New Jersey Devils, but Yzerman needs a commitment.
Hughes will likely sign an extension this summer, but if he doesn’t, the Red Wings should be in the mix once again.
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