Quinn Hughes continues to be linked to New Jersey Devils

The Minnesota Wild are trying to navigate a very delicate situation, as defenceman Quinn Hughes has yet to sign a contract extension. Hughes has one year left on his contract in Minnesota, and with a lack of progress on an extension, the New Jersey Devils continue to circle the waters.

With Quinn having his two brothers on the Devils, many around the industry feel it's just a matter of time before he signs a long-term contract to join both Jack and Luke in New Jersey. The Wild gave up four significant pieces last season to get Quinn from the Vancouver Canucks, as general manager Bill Guerin went all in with his first trade offer to the Canucks, and they accepted immediately. Now, Guerin's paid the price, and has Hughes for just one more season?

The interesting nugget here is the fact Hughes doesn't have any trade protection, so there's certainly a chance Guerin comes to realize he's not getting a deal done, and someone swoops in with an offer, and takes on Hughes for one season, knowing full well they just traded for a player who isn't going to be sticking around long term. It will impact the trade offers, but Guerin has no choice at this point.

The question becomes will the Devils pay up and trade for Hughes a season earlier than they'll be able to just sign him for 'free', without giving up assets. Dawson Mercer and Seamus Casey continue to be the two players linked to the Wild if a deal does materialize, and Guerin caves in.

For now, Quinn Hughes remains on the Minnesota Wild, but it feels like it's just a matter of time before the Hughes brothers are reunited for good in New Jersey.