The Daily: Could Hughes Contract Change Larkin Plan?; Swiss Goalie Gets Three-Year Detroit Deal

The post The Daily: Could Hughes Contract Change Larkin Plan?; Swiss Goalie Gets Three-Year Detroit Deal appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Will Quinn Hughes re-sign with the Minnesota Wild or won’t he?

That’s probably the NHL’s most watched soap opera. Certainly, Dylan Larkin is tuned to see how it all plays out. It’s important to Red Wings fans only because it could impact what happens with Larkin.

Larkin’s trade demand came with a list of three teams he would accept as a destination. He has a full no-trade clause. Those three teams are Florida, Vegas and Minnesota, but reports say the Panthers and Golden Knights have removed themselves from the process.

When Steve Yzerman was general manager, the Wild and Red Wings couldn’t make it work because Yzerman doesn’t want draft picks or mid-level prospects. He wanted a proven scorer in return. The Wild wouldn’t part with the player or players Detroit would want.

Now there are no Larkin talks because Detroit is in an ownership-imposed trade freeze until a new director of hockey operations is selected.

But Hughes’ decision is important to the process because his presence is a major reason why Larkin wants to go the Wild. The Athletic (Mike Russo) has reported Hughes likely will re-sign, but he wants a short deal. The speculation is Hughes wants a three-year deal to line up his contract with brother Jack’s deal with the Devils. The idea is they would work to be together after that, perhaps in New Jersey, maybe not.. The Wild want a longer deal.

The Wild will likely have to take what they can get from Hughes. They gave up four desirable assets to get him. As long as Hughes re-signs in Minnesota, the Larkin trade list could stay the same. From the Larkin perspective, the hope would be that Yzerman’s replacement will be more open to unproven prospects or draft picks. Or, the new Detroit boss will involve a third team to make it work with Minnesota

If Hughes, for whatever reason, decides to go to free agency next July, then it’s fair to wonder whether Larkin would then be willing to accept a trade to New Jersey for play with Jack and Luke Hughes until Quinn arrives there in 2027-28. From the Red Wings’ perspective, there might be a better trade fit with New Jersey

In Case You Missed It

Red Wings need to pick up the pace on their search for Steve Yzerman’s replacement. The new hire will have much to do before the Sept. 17 start of training camp.

Don’t be surprised to see Swedish defenseman Anton Johansson in Detroit at some point this season.

The Mammoth see more in Sebastian Cossa than the Red Wings did after last season.

PWHL Extra

The expansion Detroit Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Friday signed two 2026 draft picks — goalie Andrea Brändli and defender Casey Borgiel. Swiss Olympian Brandli (15th overall) was the first goalie selected in the draft and Detroit’s first pick. Borgei, a Port Huron player, is the team’s first Michigan draft pick.

“We could not have asked for a better start to the draft by selecting an experienced goaltender like Andrea and a reliable defender like Casey in front of our hometown fans,” said PWHL Detroit General Manager Manon Rheaume. “Andrea’s performance at the Olympics showed the world that she is one of the best at her position and somebody who will make an immediate impact in the PWHL with her maturity and confidence.”

Red Wings Extra

Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov and Scotty Bowman bobbleheads are among the promotional giveaways the Red Wings will hand out this season.

Hockey Now Digest

Colorado: Aarif Deen details how the Avalanche will handle their AHL goaltending competition. Colorado Avalanche.

Montreal: Marc Dumont explores Arber Xhekaj’s contract status with the Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: Kyle Dubas worked hard to make a deal earlier this summer but came away with nothing to show for it. Pittsburgh Penguins.

The post The Daily: Could Hughes Contract Change Larkin Plan?; Swiss Goalie Gets Three-Year Detroit Deal appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.