Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild is eligible for a contract extension, but negotiations are slow. While a long-term deal seems unlikely, GM Bill Guerin noted that these large decisions take time. Similarly, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is now extension-eligible, and there's speculation they might be waiting for each other in their negotiations. Makar's potential AAV could approach $20 million based on recent contracts in the league. The dynamics reflect a broader context of contract trends involving young talent like Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud, who also seeks an extension.

By the Numbers
  • Quinn Hughes becomes extension-eligible as of July 1, 2026.
  • Cale Makar has averaged over a point per game for five consecutive years.
Yes, But

While the expectation is for Hughes to sign soon, the hesitation could reflect the uniqueness of their situations. Hughes wants to align his contract with brother Jack, and Makar's consistency adds complexity to their negotiations.

State of Play
  • Negotiations for Hughes are ongoing but haven't yielded a contract yet.
  • Makar is also in discussions for an extension, with financial expectations high due to his performance.
What's Next

As both players assess their potential market values, the outcome may set a precedent for future defensemen contracts in the NHL. Depending on their announcements, we could see shifts in other players' negotiations as well.

Bottom Line

The contract negotiations for Hughes and Makar highlight the intricate dynamics of player valuations in the NHL, with potential historical contracts on the horizon. Their decisions will shape salary expectations for top-tier defensemen moving forward.