Quinn has said the Wild are a team he could envision staying with, and Minnesota management has made retaining him its top priority. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2027, following the final season of his $7.85 million contract. He has been eligible to sign a new contract with Minnesota since July 1, but that has yet to happen.
Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes and Hellebuyck were all teammates on the Olympic gold-medal winning Team USA in February, Jack and Hellebuyck being the stars of the gold medal game against Canada.
The Hellebuyck trade could make New Jersey more appealing by demonstrating the organization is prepared to build a contender around his brothers.
On top of that, the Devils are starving for sustained success.
New Jersey has failed to qualify for the playoffs 11 times in the past 14 seasons. They haven’t reached the postseason in consecutive years since completing a run of 13 straight appearances in 2009-10.
Though acquiring Hellebuyck may not guarantee another blockbuster move, it establishes something more immediate as the Devils should no longer view goaltending as a position of uncertainty.