Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Detroit.
Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images
Quinn Hughes extension
The Wild sent a big haul to the Vancouver Canucks to land the coveted defenseman last winter and he’s about to enter the final year of his contract. Minnesota would like to sign him to an extension.
“I’ve been talking to Quinn and his camp all along,” general manager Bill Guerin said on the “Judd’s Hockey Show” podcast this week. “These things take time. They’re big decisions for players. They’re big decisions for teams. It’s a process to work through it.”
Other unsigned restricted free agents include Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin, Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson and Montreal forward Zach Bolduc.
A three-year extension through 2029-30 would line Quinn up with the end of the contract of his brother Jack, who’s playing for the New Jersey Devils. Quinn Hughes should pass Chicago’s Bowen Byram ($12.5 million) as the top-paid defenseman with his next contract — and likely Celebrini as the top-paid player.
Colorado defenseman Cale Makar, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, is also up for an extension and could set records.
Top remaining restricted free agents
Some big names still have to be signed.
Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier is coming off a 41-goal season, but after Carlsson’s deal, Anaheim has a little more than $9 million left. Gauthier is expected to come in above that, meaning the Ducks will need to trade someone.
UFA defensemen include John Klingberg, Logan Stanley and Nick Blankenburg, and goalies include Connor Ingram, Matt Murray and Cam Talbot.
Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli also needs a new deal. He was drafted third overall in 2023 behind Bedard and Carlsson. Columbus has a little less than $14.5 million left in cap space.