Quinn Hughes To New Jersey Trade Buzz Gains Momentum, As Extension Talks Stagnate

The hockey world was a buzzin' this morning in reaction to an X post by NHL Trade Rumors, who induced sweats to many Minnesotans with a Quinn Hughes "TRADE WATCH" post late last night. The seemingly reputable, blue-check verified(what does that really even mean these days) X account with over 28k followers, has seen their latest report garner over 350,000 views in slightly more than 12 hours since being posted. 

In the article, it is said that Wild GM Bill Guerin has been pushing to extend Quinn Hughes since July 1st, as he better well should have, but to no avail. Devils players named in the potential return package included; Dawson Mercer, Dougie Hamilton, Seamus Casey and (I pray not, but ya gotta give to get) Anton Silayev. Rumors of a three team deal were also speculated. Cutter Gauthier from the cap strapped, feet to the fire Anaheim Ducks and of course Detroit and Dylan Larkin were mentioned. 

While Gautheir makes sense, I don't see Larkin as likely to land in Minnesota without his the main reason the Wild are even on his list in Hughes, departing. He obviously still has the team USA relationships with Brock Faber and Matt Boldy, but Quinn and Larkin have a very tight bond going all the way back to their college hockey days at Michigan. They train together in the off-season, and the Hughes clan is often seen in photos with Larkin at many off ice activities the last few weeks alone. The two were spotted along with Jack and Luke just recently at a golf outing a few days ago, a night out at The 22 in NYC last month, as well as the massive Morgan Wallen shows at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor at the end of July. While I'm not saying Boldy and Faber aren't good friends with Larkin, it's clear that Quinn is the reason that the Wild are on his, and perhaps most other NHLers lists of desirable destinations.

 Take the credibility of the NHL Trade Rumors, X account as you will, as it's not a Kevin Weekes or a Darren Dreger. Perhaps it's all speculation, a "prediction" if you will. The same type of "prediction" that when made by Elliotte Friedman a few months ago, had everyone believing a 3x$18m extension for QH was a done deal.

As we wrap it up here just remember this; the only thing we've ever heard from Quinn Hughes (albeit through Jim Rutherford) was that he wants to play with his brothers. Quinn has never demanded to be traded, he has never voiced displeasure with any organization he represents or represented. Quinn Hughes is willing to play out his contract, he is a man of his word, a grateful, team guy. Let's make our prediction, the only reason Quinn hasn't said he is going NJ next season, is for the sake of Billy G and the media exaggerated "debt" QH "owes" the Minnesota Wild. He will show up the to rink and play as hard as he can until he's told otherwise. Then when free agency hits, its first class to EWR with no looking back...

***Now that I said this, Quinn will probably extend in Minnesota immediately, with Jack and Luke trade requests to follow...