NHL rumors: Quinn Hughes linked to Flyers by The Athletic reporter

Quinn Hughes is working on a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, but if one does not come, could he be on his way out of town? The Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in December 2025. Hughes still has one year left on the six-year deal that he signed with the Canucks back in 2021. With the deal set to expire at the end of the upcoming campaign, there have been discussions between the Wild and Hughes about an extension. Now, one reporter thinks he could be moved to a new team. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic addressed this possibility in his latest mailbag. 'In the next 12 months, do any of the following find their way to Philly: Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Robert Thomas, Dylan Larkin or Quinn Hughes? How would you rank the likelihood (player by player)?' a fan wrote to Kurz. 'In the short term, I would absolutely pay attention to what's happening with Quinn Hughes, who still doesn't have a contract extension in place in Minnesota and who might prefer to continue his career on the East Coast,' Kurz wrote back. Article Continues Below Hughes was the seventh overall selection of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Canucks. He broke in with the team after his 2018-19 season with the University of Michigan concluded, playing five games with the Canucks. He played with them until being traded to the Wild. His two brothers, Jack and Luke, both play for the New Jersey Devils. 'Here's what we know and have reported here before: Hughes had a great relationship with Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet in Vancouver and is good friends with Trevor Zegras. The Flyers were interested in Hughes last season before he was dealt to the Minnesota Wild but were informed the Vancouver Canucks had no interest in moving him here. When rumors were flying this summer about fellow star defenseman Zach Werenski, the Flyers checked in on him before Werenski repaired his relationship with the Columbus Blue Jackets. And, of course, the Flyers are clearly going big-game hunting after offer-sheeting Leo Carlsson. They are ready to try to add a star player while making that player one of the highest-paid in the league because of their salary-cap flexibility,' Kurz continued. Trade rumors around Hughes have previously been shut down, but until a contract extension is signed, the speculation will remain.