The NHL world was stunned last week when the Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a package including Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick. While many initially focused on what this meant for the New Jersey Devils, who were also reportedly in pursuit of Hughes, a new question has emerged: Could this pave the way for Jack Hughes to eventually join his brother in Minnesota?
The acquisition of Quinn Hughes immediately elevates the Wild into Stanley Cup contention. The team now boasts one of the league's premier defensemen, a Norris Trophy winner in 2024, who is only 26 years old. Quinn's contract runs through the 2026-27 season, after which he could become an unrestricted free agent. While there's no guarantee he'll re-sign with the Wild, the organization is clearly betting that he'll enjoy his time in Minnesota enough to stay.
This is where the Jack Hughes speculation begins. Jack, currently with the New Jersey Devils, is under contract until the end of the 2029-30 season. He's in the fourth year of an eight-year, $64 million extension. While it's a long way off, the possibility of the Hughes brothers uniting in Minnesota isn't as far-fetched as it might seem.
On a recent episode of the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast, former NHL players Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, and Matt Murley discussed the potential for Quinn to recruit his brothers to Minnesota. "No one ever said it has to be in New Jersey," Yandle said. Whitney added, "What's stopping Jack from being like, I'm going to go to Minnesota when this deal is done?".
There are several factors that could make Minnesota an attractive destination for Jack. First, the Wild have a strong organization with a winning culture. Second, Minnesota is a passionate hockey market where players can focus on the game. Bissonnette suggested Minnesota is a "perfect balance for hockey junkies like the Hughes brothers".
Of course, there are also obstacles to overcome. Jack Hughes is a superstar in New Jersey and is signed to a long-term contract. The Devils may not be willing to trade him, especially if they are still trying to compete for a Stanley Cup. The Devils have been navigating a season of ups and downs, striving to remain competitive while managing injuries and lineup adjustments. However, with the recent trade rumors surrounding Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat, it's clear that the Devils are looking to shake things up. They even made a strong push for Quinn Hughes, indicating a willingness to make big moves. They are reportedly in the market for a center, potentially looking to trade Hamilton or Palat to address that need.
The Wild's acquisition of Quinn Hughes has certainly changed the landscape of the NHL. It has made them a top contender for the Stanley Cup and has also opened up the possibility of a Hughes brothers reunion in Minnesota. While it may take several years to materialize, the idea of Jack Hughes joining Quinn in the State of Hockey is an intriguing prospect for Wild fans. For now, Wild General Manager Bill Guerin may still be looking to add a center to the roster.
