NHL Rumor Roundup: Trade Speculation Begins About Quinn Hughes, Latest Buzz On Drake Batherson

The lack of progress in contract talks between the Minnesota Wild and Quinn Hughes could prompt more trade speculation. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson could run out of time to get an eight-year extension done before the Sept. 15 deadline. The Minnesota Wild’s training camp opens in two weeks, but there is no indication that Quinn Hughes is any closer to a contract extension. Hughes is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. General manager Bill Guerin said in early August that he’d been in constant contact with the 26-year-old superstar defenseman and his representatives to discuss a new deal. Guerin preached patience to anxious Wild fans, reminding them that superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov’s extension talks stretched into late September last year before signing him. Meanwhile, Michael Russo of The Athletic dismissed internet rumors claiming the Wild and New Jersey Devils were in trade talks involving Hughes. On Monday, Guerin updated fans on the Hughes negotiations. He acknowledged that Cale Makar’s recent record-setting contract with the Colorado Avalanche sets a bar for Hughes, but also stated that the Wild defenseman has “a different personality and has different things in life that are important to him. Who knows what he’s gonna want in the end?” Guerin’s comments stoked speculation that Hughes could depart as a free agent next summer to join his brothers Jack and Luke with the Devils. NHL insider Frank Seravalli told Sportsnet that he believes the Wild must sign Hughes soon or consider moving on. “If it were me, I’d look to rip the Band-Aid off at some point this month,” Seravalli said, adding that he wouldn’t want his club to be held hostage by this storyline. Seravalli considered the Devils as the most likely landing spot for Hughes if the Wild decide to trade him. They could wait and sign him when he becomes a UFA next summer. By acquiring him now, they’d have him on their roster for an extra season. It would also give them exclusive contract negotiation rights until July 1. The Devils’ acquisition of winger Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators has them loaded with top-nine forwards. They could draw on that forward depth to make a pitch for Hughes if he becomes available in this season’s trade market. Latest On Batherson And Senators Speaking of contract extensions, talks continue between the Ottawa Senators and Drake Batherson. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a six-year deal and is due for a significant raise over his current average annual value of $4.95 million. PostMedia reports a mutual desire to get a deal done. However, a gap exists in those negotiations, with Batherson reportedly seeking an eight-year extension comparable to what Alex Tuch received from the Washington Capitals ($10.5 million AAV) and what Adrian Kempe got from the Los Angeles Kings ($10.625 million AAV). According to PostMedia, if an eight-year extension isn’t possible, there’s no reason to believe the Senators would go with a higher AAV on a seven-year deal. Nevertheless, they can’t risk losing another core forward after trading Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in June. For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.