Quinn Hughes and John Hynes just watched Minnesota's contract situation get more expensive after Cale Makar reset the market.
The Colorado Avalanche signed Makar to an eight-year, $163.2 million extension carrying a $20.4 million annual value. It begins in 2027-28.
That number lands directly in Minnesota's negotiations with Hughes, who became eligible to sign an extension on July 1.
The Wild have spent weeks working toward a new deal with Hughes and agent Pat Brisson. Makar's contract now gives the Hughes camp a powerful comparison at the table.
Hughes finished last season with 76 points between Vancouver and Minnesota before adding another 15 points during the playoffs.
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Minnesota didn't acquire him for a short stay. Bill Guerin moved Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick to bring Hughes onto Hynes' blue line.
Cale Makar changes the Hughes conversation
Money was already going to be a major part of the discussion. After Makar landed $20.4 million per season, Minnesota has a new ceiling sitting directly in front of it.
Hughes belongs in the conversation among hockey's elite defensemen, and his camp now has a fresh contract involving the player most often compared with him.
The bigger issue may still be term. Minnesota has been connected to a deal running between five and eight years as the Wild try to secure their top defenseman long term.
Hughes has also been linked to the possibility of a shorter three-year agreement. That structure would align his timeline with brother Jack Hughes in New Jersey.
That possibility has kept the Hughes brothers conversation alive, even as Minnesota works to make sure its blockbuster acquisition remains the centerpiece of the blue line.
The timing adds pressure. With the new CBA eventually limiting contract length to seven years, Minnesota's opportunity to secure its preferred structure isn't unlimited.
Makar didn't change how valuable Hughes is to the Wild. He changed the price Minnesota may have to pay to keep him.
And after everything Guerin surrendered to acquire Hughes, losing leverage in extension talks is exactly what the Wild didn't need.
Will Quinn Hughes land a contract worth as much as Cale Makar's?
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