Ryan Whitney floats "100% chance" of Quinn Hughes playing for New Jersey Devils next season
On Monday’s episode of Spittin’ Chiclets, former NHL defenceman Ryan Whitney said there is no doubt in his mind where Quinn Hughes will be playing next season.
On Monday’s episode of Spittin’ Chiclets, former NHL defenceman Ryan Whitney said there is no doubt in his mind where Quinn Hughes will be playing next season.
“There is a 100% chance that Quinn Hughes is on the Devils next year,” said Whitney on the podcast.
If Quinn Hughes decides to not re-sign with the Wild, he could get to New Jersey one of two ways: a trade out of Minnesota before the March deadline, or a walk to unrestricted free agency on July 1, 2027, and then sign a new deal with the Devils.
The former Norris Trophy winner was more expansive on his own future when asked on Saturday.
“I’m where I’ve always been, and I’m excited right now, and my two feet are planted here in Minnesota. Something could happen soon, I’m not really too sure,” Hughes said.
The 27-year-old is in the final year of the six-year, $47.1 million deal ($7.85 million cap hit) he signed with Vancouver in 2021. Minnesota can offer a maximum of seven years under the new CBA; a rival, the Devils included, could offer six.
The Wild had made clear they would beat Cale Makar’s $20.4 million AAV, and with the 2027-28 cap projected to jump, another team could approach $22.7 million a season.
Quinn Hughes pours cold water on New Jersey Devils move especially after Connor Hellebuyck trade
Quinn Hughes was asked on Saturday about the Hellebuyck trade and whether it changed anything about his own future. Given the timing, it was a fair question. He did not exactly leave the door open for New Jersey.
“That’s not something that’s on my mind. I was happy for Helle from a personal friendship aspect of it. I’m happy for Jack and Luke because it helps their team. But … I haven’t been thinking about that. That’s for sure,” said Hughes, per Joe Smith of The Athletic.
New Jersey paid for Hellebuyck on Friday with Dawson Mercer, Nick Bjugstad, Nico Daws, Alexander Command and two draft picks.
The brother angle keeps it alive. Jack Hughes is New Jersey’s No. 1 centre, and Quinn said in September there is “obviously a draw” to playing with him and Luke, while insisting he would not “sacrifice a great spot” to do it.
The Devils have $16.8 million in cap space for the 2027-28 season per PuckPedia, so GM Sunny Mehta would have to make some roster moves to potentially accommodate Quinn Hughes.
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