Who did the Minnesota Wild trade for?

The Minnesota Wild acquired defenseman Hughes in a major trade.

How many first-round picks did the Wild give up for Hughes?

The Wild traded the equivalent of four first-round picks to acquire Hughes.

Can Hughes help the Wild contend for a championship?

Yes, Hughes joins a core of Kaprizov and Boldy, aiming to make the Wild a serious contender.

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Wild Lands Defense Star Hughes for Contender Push

13 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Minnesota Wild acquired defenseman Hughes in a blockbuster trade.
The team gave up four first-round picks for the star player.
Hughes joins Kaprizov and Boldy to form a core for contention.

Wild Lands Defense Star Hughes for Contender Push

Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin has executed a significant trade, acquiring defenseman Hughes, considered by many to be the second-best defenseman in the NHL. This move, which cost the Wild a substantial package equivalent to four first-round picks, underscores Guerin's aggressive approach to building a championship contender. Hughes, 26, joins a talented young core that includes star winger Kirill Kaprizov, 28, and forward Matt Boldy, 24.

The acquisition of Hughes is designed to propel the Wild into the league's top tier and potentially make Minnesota a more attractive destination for future free agents. Guerin has expressed a philosophy that great players are drawn to playing alongside other great players, a strategy exemplified by the recent contract extension given to Kaprizov. The team's management believes this core, with Hughes now in the fold, can finally establish the Wild as a serious contender.