Overview
- GM Bill Guerin said Monday that re‑signing Quinn Hughes is his “priority one,” and Hughes has said he is open to an extension once he becomes eligible to sign on July 1.
- Guerin also disclosed Monday that goalie Filip Gustavsson will have hip surgery as soon as possible, with his availability for training camp unclear until after the operation.
- Jesper Wallstedt handled most playoff starts while Gustavsson made one, so any delay in Gustavsson’s return could leave Wallstedt as the early starter and prompt a search for short‑term depth.
- Guerin said he will pursue a true No. 1 center, and reporting says Minnesota even tried to trade for the Blues’ Robert Thomas at the deadline in a push that signals an active summer.
- Analysts caution that if Hughes offers no commitment, the Wild could explore a trade to preserve value, a choice complicated by the hefty cap hit a new deal for Hughes would add next to Kirill Kaprizov’s contract.