Quinn Hughes: Poised to Redefine the Defenseman Market

When Kirill Kaprizov signed his $17 million annual extension, many anticipated a swift succession of similarly massive contracts. While Connor McDavid opted for a short-term deal with no raise, and players like Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor secured sizable but not record-breaking contracts, the market hasn’t quite reached Kaprizov’s level… yet. Unfortunately for the Minnesota Wild’s salary structure, Quinn Hughes is likely next in line for a mega-raise.

A Game-Changing Acquisition

The Wild took a significant gamble trading for Hughes, without a guaranteed long-term commitment. So far, the risk is paying off handsomely. Hughes has been playing at an MVP level, amassing 29 points in 24 games – a higher production rate than even Kaprizov. Bill Guerin recognized a talent others overlooked, prioritizing skill and addressing the rest later.

The Looming Contract Question

But “the rest” is rapidly approaching. Assuming Hughes signs when eligible on July 1st, the question becomes: how much will the Wild pay him? Currently, Hughes isn’t just positioned to become the league’s highest-paid defenseman; he’s in a spot to shatter the market, mirroring Kaprizov’s impact.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Defenseman Contracts

In 2018-2019, Drew Doughty and Erik Karlsson seemed to pave the way for exploding defenseman contracts. Doughty secured $11 million annually, while Karlsson reached $11.5 million. However, as of today, Karlsson and Doughty remain the highest-paid, with Rasmus Dahlin matching Doughty’s AAV and Evan Bouchard close behind. No other elite blueliner – Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy – has surpassed Karlsson’s $11.5 million cap hit.

Hughes’ Unique Position

July 1st could change that. While Makar is also eligible for an extension and equally deserving of a substantial raise, Hughes appears uniquely positioned to become the highest-paid defenseman, if he chooses. His value is undeniable. Entering Sunday, Hughes ranked third in the NHL with 5.9 Standings Points Above Replacement (SPAR), trailing only McDavid and Macklin Celebrini, both MVP contenders.

Statistical Dominance

Hughes’ 24 games with the Wild have already contributed 4.6 points to the standings. He’s a top-10 defenseman and a top-20 player this season. His impact even exceeds the 4.0 SPAR Kaprizov achieved in 41 games last season before injury. This begs the question: if Hughes’ agent requests $17 million, $17.5 million, or even $18 million, how can the Wild refuse?

The Wild’s Situation vs. Colorado’s

This presents a unique challenge for Minnesota. Unlike the Colorado Avalanche, who have Nathan MacKinnon as their highest-paid player at $12.6 million, the Wild have already demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for elite talent. The Wild traded four valuable assets, including top prospect Zeev Buium, to acquire Hughes, signaling their commitment to competing with teams like the Avalanche and Dallas Stars. Letting Hughes walk or being forced to trade him would severely hinder those ambitions.

Reasons for Optimism

Fortunately, Hughes’ value makes it difficult to overpay him. Starting his next contract at age 28, the Wild can reasonably expect several years of Norris-caliber performance. Furthermore, Hughes’ experience in Vancouver may lead him to prioritize a stable, winning environment over maximizing his earnings.

Brace for Sticker Shock

Regardless of Hughes’ priorities, Wild fans should prepare for another offseason of significant financial commitment. The stars have aligned for Minnesota to sign record-breaking extensions in consecutive years, potentially requiring them to operate on an island until the market adjusts. NHL.com provides further insights into player contracts and market trends.