Report: Minnesota Wild shut down Quinn Hughes trade rumors

The Quinn Hughes saga is front and center across the NHL right now, as the Minnesota Wild are trying desperately to sign the Norris trophy winning defenceman to a long-term contract extension. With contract talks 'very quiet' according to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, there's been plenty of trade rumors falling on our desk, including how the New Jersey Devils reached out to discuss a potential deal. Something The Athletic's Michael Russo is trying to shut down.

As the Minnesota Wild continue extension talks with Quinn Hughes, league sources emphatically shot down reports that the Wild have engaged the New Jersey Devils — or any team — in trade talks regarding the superstar defenseman.

One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations that aren’t public, went as far as to tell The Athletic on Tuesday that the rumors are “bulls—,” “made up” and “invented BS by bloggers.”

Hughes has one year left on his deal at $7.8 million AAV, and doesn't hold any trade protection. The Wild gave up a four-piece package to the Vancouver Canucks, and there's been some chatter that Hughes knows how much Bill Guerin gave up, and is 'somewhat committed' to seeing contract talks through, but then there's also been a ton of speculation that his preference is to play long term with both his brothers in New Jersey.  

For now, it appears the Wild are doing their best to get a deal done before the start of the season, meanwhile, Friedman feels talks are pretty quiet right now, and on our end of things, multiple people around the league feel he's destined for the Devils. 

We'll just leave it at that, and Russo and his league sources can say what they want to say.