Quinn Hughes Could Soon Become NHL’s Highest-Paid Defenseman

Minnesota Wild vs. Seattle Kraken January 8, 2026. Photo credits: Jenn G.

Written By Gina Anton

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is emerging as a leading candidate to become the highest-paid defenseman in NHL history when he becomes eligible for a contract extension later this year, league insiders say.

Hughes, 26, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in an impactful trade on Dec. 12, 2025, that sent three players and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver, a move that marked a major shift for both franchises.

"Quinn played hard, led by example, and did a lot of very good things for the Canucks," Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin said in a press release. "Trading away a player of this caliber is never an easy decision to make, but it was one we had to do to make our team better."

Since joining the Wild, Hughes has continued to produce at an elite level, averaging roughly 1.21 points per game while ranking among the NHL’s top defensemen in advanced metrics.

Hughes is under contract through the 2026-27 season at an average annual value of $7.85 million, but NHL analysts believe his next deal could shatter existing defenseman pay records. He has won the James Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman after a 92-point campaign in 2023-24, which was the highest point total by a blueliner that season.

In 459 career games with Vancouver, Hughes posted 432 points (61 goals, 371 assists), making him the franchise leader in scoring for a defenseman. His ability to quarterback a power play and dominate at both ends of the ice has drawn comparisons to the game’s top players.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who orchestrated the December trade that brought Hughes to Minnesota, commented on the trade. “Bringing a player like Quinn Hughes here, you just don’t get these opportunities all that often. When a player of Quinn’s caliber comes available and you have an opportunity to get him, there’s a cost to it, and we were willing to do what it takes.”

Hughes’ presence also bolsters the Wild’s hopes of contending for a Stanley Cup, a goal that many expect to play into his negotiations.

The earliest Hughes can sign an extension with Minnesota is July 1, 2026, and league observers say a high-end offer from the Wild, or another contender, could set a new benchmark for defenseman salaries and exceed 12 million AAV.