Given everything we know about the current market, it\u2019s not outrageous to think that\u2019s where this situation is heading<\/a>. However, there\u2019s a layer of subtext there most are not really seeing. Hughes\u2019 camp is playing hardball with the Minnesota Wild. It almost seems as though they\u2019re purposely making it hard for Minnesota to the point where the Wild will just move on from Hughes.<\/p>\n That\u2019s a last-ditch effort for the Wild. So, the only real option for the team will be to pay up.<\/p>\n In Hughes\u2019 mind, meanwhile, it\u2019s something like, \u201cYou have to pay up in order for me to pass on playing with my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n And even then, Hughes isn\u2019t committing to the Wild long-term. A three-year deal isn\u2019t a full-fledged commitment to the organization. It\u2019s more of a let\u2019s-wait-and-see what happens type of situation. Of course, we all know that no major star will be signing a max-term deal, certainly not with the cap going up. But you have to think that Hughes wants to put the clamps on the Wild if they really want to keep him.<\/p>\n Would Hughes give Devils a break on a new contract?<\/p>\n Okay, so if Hughes is putting the screws to the Wild, would he do the same to the Devils? Perhaps not.<\/p>\n It seems that the Wild will have to pay for Hughes\u2019 opportunity cost. Hughes knows that he will get paid by every other team in the NHL. Any team with a realistic shot at keeping Hughes will give him pretty much whatever he wants to stay.<\/p>\n Except for the Devils. New Jersey is the only team that offers a crucial incentive: Playing with his brothers. And that opportunity cost could motivate Hughes to take a bit less just for the chance to be with his brothers moving forward.<\/p>\n That\u2019s an intriguing possibility. And it\u2019s one that should have Devils fans feeling bullish about the third Hughes brother landing in New Jersey.<\/p>\n Now, is it actually realistic? That\u2019s another question entirely. The likelihood is that the Wild pay up and keep Quinn Hughes in the short term.<\/p>\n Even if that\u2019s the case, it doesn\u2019t preclude Hughes from eventually reaching New Jersey.<\/a><\/p>\n
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