
The Devils star gave a stunning answer about reuniting with his brother.
The Tkachuk brothers are officially united in Florida, and the hockey world has taken notice. But for Jack Hughes, watching Brady and Matthew share a locker room has stirred up feelings about his own family situation, and the possibility of one day playing alongside both of his brothers in New Jersey.
Reporter Matt Larkin asked Hughes directly whether he feels any envy seeing the Tkachuks together, and whether he and brother Luke long for Quinn to join them with the Devils. Hughes gave a thoughtful, measured response, acknowledging the desire but also the practical obstacles standing in the way. He pointed out that Brady Tkachuk's contract was far easier to move than whatever Quinn's next deal would look like in terms of average annual value.
It was a revealing moment from a player who clearly understands both the emotional pull of family and the cold financial realities of the NHL's salary cap system.
The timing of Hughes' comments makes them all the more significant. Quinn Hughes has been wrestling with his future all summer. Insider Chris Johnston recently reported that while Quinn enjoyed his time in Minnesota after being traded from Vancouver last season, he has not been willing to commit long-term to the Wild. The desire to eventually play alongside Jack and Luke in New Jersey reportedly remains a powerful factor in his thinking.
Minnesota has made it clear they are willing to pay top dollar. Reports have floated numbers as high as eight years and $164 million, a figure that would rival or exceed Cale Makar's record-breaking extension with Colorado. But according to Johnston, the issue is not money. It is whether Quinn is ready to sign on the dotted line.
A shorter deal, potentially three years, has reportedly been discussed. That timeline would conveniently align Quinn's unrestricted free agency with Jack's contract situation. Luke is already locked up in New Jersey through the 2031-32 season, making the Devils the natural landing spot if Quinn ultimately prioritizes playing with family.
Jack Hughes did however say how he knows his brother will do what’s best for him.
“I don’t think he’s going to sacrifice what’s best for him for us to play together. I mean, we’ll see. We’ll see what he does.”
For the Wild, the uncertainty creates a difficult situation. GM Bill Guerin surrendered a significant trade package to acquire Quinn from Vancouver, and if a long-term commitment is not forthcoming, Minnesota will face hard choices about whether to push for a Cup run or explore trading him to preserve assets.
We all are waiting to see what comes next. Quinn Hughes faced reporters on Wednesday at the NHL Media Tour and claimed that he was in no rush to sign with the Wild, but did admit to loving his life in Minnesota.
Whatever he says could shape the future of multiple franchises, and the Hughes brothers' dream of sharing a bench in Newark.
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Christine has been a lifelong hockey fan ever since she fell for Mario Lemieux’ slick moves and Jaromir Jagr’s mullet. A professional writer, she joined Attraction Media in 2017. Since then, she has good reasons to watch all hockey games and can humiliate several men who can’t handle that a woman knows more about hockey than they ever will.
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