Wild, Red Wings, Devils Linked To 3-Way Blockbuster Trade
The Detroit Red Wings have a massive problem on their hands, and are in a very tough spot with Dylan Larkin's drama, meanwhile in Minnesota, Quinn Hughes is in zero rush to sign a contract extension, and doesn't feel 'backed up against the wall' to make a snap decision anytime soon.
So, how exactly can the New Jersey Devils be looped into all this, and how can all the drama in Detroit and Minny get solved in one clean swoop? How about a massive three-way deal that sees Dylan Larkin end up in Minnesota, and Hughes wind up reunited with his brothers in New Jersey?
As far as potential trade destinations, Larkin is willing to join the Wild, meanwhile, we all know that Hughes would love a shot to play with Luke and Jack at some point throughout his career, and the fact he's as close as ever to being able to sign there as a free agent, it shouldn't come at a surprise that one of the most powerful executives at his agency is making it known he'll be taking his time with the decision:
"I think he wants to see how the team does and how he feels.."
— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) September 11, 2026
J.P. Barry on Quinn Hughes and his future with the #MNWild
Full interview..https://t.co/EaU4YlTShY pic.twitter.com/XSuenHnAFq
Wild GM Bill Guerin is a massive fan of Hughes, but if he doesn't want to be there long term, landing a top-six center in Larkin could be a very interesting plan B, and much better than seeing Hughes walk to New Jersey for nothing next summer.
The Devils could very well make this trade work, but it's the Red Wings that are holding everything up at this point, considering they don't have a GM, just stripped Larkin of the 'C', and have recently been called up by their best defenceman Mo Seider because of how much of a gong show the summer's been.
New Jersey would have to likely include Dawson Mercer, Nico Daws, and Seamus Casey as part of the trade, and to be fair, adding Hughes, and then signing him for seven years would be very much worth it in the end.
For now, Larkin remains in Detroit despite asking out, Hughes remains a Wild, even though he won't be signing on the dotted line anytime soon, and Sunny Mehta and the Devils wait patiently to see how this is all going to shake out.