Minnesota Wild
Guerin Comments Shatter Confidence About Quinn Hughes’ Future: “Sounds Like He Already Knows”
Wild GM Bill Guerin spoke about where Quinn Hughes is at, and his latest comments didn’t instill a lot of confidence.
Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin was on a bit of a media tour this week, and his latest comments about the Quinn Hughes situation — which everyone has understandably been asking about — did not build confidence. Guerin was asked whether Cale Makar‘s record-setting extension with Colorado could reshape contract talks for Hughes. In a way, they might, but Guerin’s answer was surprising.
Guerin was careful not to draw a direct comparison between the two star defensemen, suggesting Hughes’ priorities and Makar’s priorities might not be anywhere close to the same. “Quinn might be after different things… He’s got different things in his life that are important to him. Who knows what he’s gonna want in the end.” What most believe Guerin was referring to was Hughes’ desire to play with his brothers.
Guerin added that ultimately, no one outside Hughes’ inner circle truly knows what he’ll prioritize when it comes time to finalize a new deal. They talk frequently, but Hughes will do what he feels is right. “I have a great relationship with Quinn, I have a great relationship with his agent, we are communicating all the time.” That still doesn’t mean an extension is close. When told he can’t possibly trade Hughes (because the Wild are too all-in) if they can’t get a contract done, Guerin responded, “I can do whatever I want.”
The conversations with media were anything but confidence-building. What many hoped would be a formality looks like anything but. Drew Livingstone of SDPN Sports was among the many who heard the comments and felt this wasn’t trending in the right direction. “Sounds to me like he already knows Quinn doesn’t want any amount to stay in Minnesota.”
Guerin clearly wants to get Hughes signed, and he understands that fans are anxious because they don’t know everything. The longer this drags out without an answer, the more people will feel uneasy. However, he also explained that modern players nearing free agency or the final year of their contracts don’t feel pressured to rush into a decision. Hughes is likely in that situation and because it seems evident he wants to align himself to play with his brothers, he’s not worried about a long-term deal or signing before September 16th.
It’s clear the Guerin wants to get this done. It also feels like he’s prepared to do what’s necessary.
Next: The Dylan Larkin Question Is Really About Montreal’s Rebuild
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