Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) looks on during a break in play in the third period of the Minnesota Wild versus Colorado Avalanche game five Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round game at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on May 13, 2026. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)The Minnesota Wild are in the midst of a major offseason following a playoff loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Now, much of the attention is on star blueliner Quinn Hughes, whose future has quickly become one of the biggest NHL trade rumors and contract storylines in the league.Minnesota got Hughes in a blockbuster move to add to its Stanley Cup aspirations with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. However, in recent NHL news updates following a postseason loss, there have been whispers about Hughes’ long-term commitment and possible links to the New Jersey Devils.Quinn Hughes addresses Minnesota Wild NHL trade rumorsQuinn Hughes addressed NHL trade rumors head-on, saying he’s “definitely open” to signing a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild this offseason. The 26-year-old defenseman also had kind words for the organization, his teammates and general manager Bill Guerin during his end-of-season media availability.Hughes, who came over from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season, has become a major impact player. He put up 53 points in 48 regular-season games and supplied 15 postseason points even though Minnesota lost to Colorado in the playoffs. His ability to be offensive and move the puck right away made the Wild serious contenders in the Western Conference.Latest NHL trade rumors continue to link Hughes to the New Jersey Devils, where his brothers Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes already play. There are reports that Minnesota could offer Hughes a shorter extension that would match up with Jack Hughes’ current contract timeline, keeping future options open.The pressure on Minnesota to get a new deal done with Hughes is only going to increase this offseason. Veteran players like Mats Zuccarello, Vladimir Tarasenko, Marcus Johansson, Nick Foligno and Michael McCarron are headed for free agency, and the Wild are still looking for another steady top-six center.Hughes’ public willingness to stay in Minnesota is a positive NHL update for the franchise, regardless of the unknown. After surrendering significant assets to acquire him, keeping the former Norris Trophy winner long-term remains one of the Wild’s most important priorities entering the 2026 offseason.