Did Guerin Just Hint at the Wild Possibly Trading Quinn Hughes?

The Minnesota Wild will look to take another step next season after a strong 2025-26 run that ended in a playoff loss to the dominant Colorado Avalanche. They’ve got some work to do this offseason, which includes making a decision on eight pending UFAs and speaking with superstar Quinn Hughes about a possible extension.

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Some of the team’s current players won’t be back, and if Hughes is keen on testing the market at the end of the 2026-27 season, a trade may be part of this summer’s plans. At least, Guerin didn’t rule it out with his cryptic comments during a media availability this week.

The team already traded key pieces for Hughes, but Guerin believes his team is in a Stanley Cup window and is willing to make moves to improve. His top priority is acquiring a true No. 1 center, likely through trade due to a weak free-agent market. “We’re going to continue to improve this hockey team and get better and keep moving forward. We have cap space, we have assets, we’ll do whatever we can to continue to make this team better and better so we can win a Championship.”

How he gets there remains to be seen. He added, “I think I’ve shown you, our fans and everybody involved that, if there’s something out there that can make [the MN Wild] better, I am willing to do it and I won’t sit on my hands.”

If Guerin is going to make a play for another top talent, securing Hughes long-term is likely a major focus. He either needs to stack the deck with his star defenseman or move Hughes to obtain the multiple pieces he needs to remain competitive without him.

The Wild have roughly $15 million in cap space, and there won’t be enough room for everyone.

Anybody Can Be Traded

During that same media availability, Guerin was asked if there were any untouchables on the team. He paused while the rest of the media seemed to let off a silent chuckle at his hesitation. He then sent a stark reminder to players at every level of the organization.

He said confidently, “Nobody in this game is untouchable. Wayne Gretzky got traded. Anybody can get traded.”

In other words, Guerin will do what he needs to do to improve the team. And, if players don’t want to stay, he’;s unafraid to trade them or make a difficult decision.

As for Hughes, Guerin noted, “I love having him here. I mean the impact that he had on our team was incredible, so yeah, priority one.” Hughes said when he spoke with the media, “I really like it here. I think that I would definitely be open to re-signing.”

Right now, those are both positive signs. As for what happens when Hughes asks for $17 million or more, that’s still unclear.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canucks, Sabres, Oilers & Fans Freak Out