The Detroit Red Wings had a shot at Quinn Hughes last season. Unfortunately, things fell through when then-general manager Steve Yzerman refused to include Simon Edvinsson in a package. According to former Red Wings insider Keith Gave, the Red Wings wouldn't make the trade unless Quinn Hughes agreed to a (handshake) contract extension.
You are misinformed, like many others.
April 15, 2026
Steve Yzerman and Vancouver had agreed to a trade for Quinn Hughes. It was a done deal ON THE CONDITION that Hughes agreed to a long-term deal with Detroit. Yzerman and Hughes spoke directly. Hughes declined. Wings sure tried. https://t.co/coFipeE6FdWithout the agreement secured, the deal fell through, causing Hughes to head to the Minnesota Wild instead of the Red Wings. While many were rightfully frustrated at the inaction, it appears as if Steve Yzerman's gambit is paying off. It's now September and Hughes hasn't signed an extension with the Wild.
According to Chris Johnston of TSN, that ship may have already sailed.
Hughes still deciding on future
"My understanding of this situation through the summer is I think he was having trouble basically making up his mind about what he wants to do for his future," Johnston began. "There’s a desire that we’ve known for years to one day play with his brothers. I think he did enjoy his Minnesota experience...but he’s going to have to make a call on what’s best. And at least to this point I don’t think that has been committed to or something he’s ready to do.”
Imagine a scenario where Yzerman pulled the trigger for Hughes, trading Edvinsson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Marco Kasper and a first round pick. If the Red Wings were in this situation, they'd lose a top pairing defenseman, a potential second line center, their best defensive prospect and a first round pick for a player that might not even extend with the club.
And that isn't even touching on Dylan Larkin's trade request, which might still have come through with Yzerman at the helm.
To say Wild GM Bill Guerin is under pressure to build a competitive team might be the understatement of the century.
Reality would've been the same for Red Wings
In all reality, trading for Hughes wouldn't have made much of a difference for the Red Wings. Sure, they may have made the playoffs. But, if the Ottawa Senators' pitiful perfromance against the Carolina Hurricanes was any indication, the Red Wings would be swept without a second thought.
There's always a chance Hughes extends with the Wild, but, as the days go on, it appears less likely with each passing moment. If Johnston's words are believed to be true, Hughes wants to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, both currently with the New Jersey Devils.
If Hughes walks without signing and extension - and the Wild pay an arm and a leg for Larkin - this could go down as one of the biggest blunders in NHL history.
Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. For Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings, it appears to have worked out.
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