This off-season is marked by high-stakes contract discussions, particularly for elite NHL defensemen Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Negotiations for Hughes with the Minnesota Wild have dragged on longer than anticipated, leading to concerns about a potential delay before the season starts. Meanwhile, Makar, who is likewise eligible for an extension with the Colorado Avalanche, is also under the spotlight as both players appear to be waiting to see who finalizes their deal first. Anticipation is building around both players' potential contracts as the new season approaches.

By the Numbers
  • Quinn Hughes is entering the final year of a $47.1 million contract with an average annual value of $7.85 million.
  • Cale Makar will turn 28 at the end of October, with the potential for a five- or six-year deal being his last big contract.
Yes, But

There are concerns regarding the drawn-out negotiations for Hughes, indicating potential friction in contract discussions, while both players may be influencing each other's contract outcomes.

State of Play
  • Negotiations between Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild have stalled with little recent communication.
  • Colorado Avalanche's GM Joe Sakic expects Makar's extension to be completed before the start of the season.
What's Next

As training camps approach, pressure mounts for both Hughes and Makar to finalize their contracts, which could set benchmarks for future defensemen signings across the league.

Bottom Line

The outcomes of Hughes and Makar’s negotiations will significantly shape the financial landscape of the NHL, influencing not just their teams, but also setting a precedent for other top defensemen looking for extensions.