Anything new with Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild?
From The Sheet via Jeff Marek: Jeff Marek talks to Michael Russo for more on Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild.
** NHLRumors.com transcriptions
Jeff Marek: “All right, I have to ask about Quinn Hughes. Simply, what are you hearing? Is there anything going on”
Russo: “Three makes a lot of sense to align himself with Jack in four years. Craig Leopold all but offered the blank check statement but Bill Guerin has been closer to the vest.”
Alexander Nikishin and other RFA’s Waiting to be Paid
I have been told much the same as most beat reporters. Minnesota still wants five years or so while the Minnesota defenseman seems to desire three. Again, much of the latter is innuendo. Yes, writers talk about aligning the free agency and that could be dangerous. Here is why. Does one want to pay max money for all three Hughes brothers or even two for that matter?
One needs to recognize that Quinn does not want a Leo Carlsson like deal. Also, it is late August ladies and gentlemen. The 2026-27 NHL season starts in about six weeks. Players and even agents are on vacation.
However, the longer this goes, the more speculation will grow. The blueliner does not have to extend now. New Jersey will always be lurking. That is just how the media has been with this.
As for Cale Makar, the race to get paid is on but is it really a race? Nathan MacKinnon signed his last deal on September 20th, 2022 – exactly one day before training camp. Cue the patience train!
The New York Rangers and the 2026-27 err 2027-28 salary cap
Vincent Z. Mercogliano of the Athletic: We have a pretty good idea of what the 2026-27 salary cap for the New York Rangers. However, what might the 2027-28 version look like? The cap rises then to $113.5 million. Currently, New York has 11 committed players to the tune of $78.593 million. This sounds like a good cushion.
Recent trends suggest the forward position as being Chris Drury‘s biggest asset group yet greatest source of headaches. Depth and finding a top center are Drury’s biggest issues as Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller are only getting older (age 34 year).
Connor Hellebuyck and Jimmy Snuggerud; The Latest
Short-term projections are always intriguing when it comes to younger players. Drury has Gabriel Perreault, Noel Laba, and William Cuylle. Again, the winger market for UFA’s will be different and may feature Nikita Kucherov and Alex DeBrincat perhaps. Unfortunately, center will feature plenty of risks.
When it comes to the blueline, that is where things diverge. New York enjoys stability with Adam Fox and Vladimir Gavrikov. There were some drops with their play but the positives far outweighed any negatives. Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson give the Rangers and Drury time before decisions have to be made.
Alberts Šmits could be one to keep an eye on here for next season or sooner. Goaltender has the league intrigue as many believe Joonas Korpisalo will be replaced by Dylan Garand for 2027-28. Drury will gain cap flexibility on Igor Shesterkin‘s deal as it goes along. Keep that in mind.
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