Hughes gets eccentric welcome in Minnesota

Talk about a warm welcome for Quinn Hughes.

When the newest Minnesota Wild defenseman took the ice at Grand Casino Arena on Sunday for his first game with the team, fans showed their appreciation for the newly acquired star with a loud cheer.

During the starting lineup introduction, the crowd didn’t even wait to hear his name before making their voices heard.

As soon as the PA announcer said “No. 43,” fans turned up the volume at the arena.

And it didn’t take long for Hughes to make his presence felt.

The 26-year-old scored in his Wild debut as the team beat the Boston Bruins, 6-2, for its fourth consecutive win.

Hughes was traded to Minnesota from the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, in a blockbuster deal, for forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

“Bringing a player like Quinn Hughes here, you just don’t get these opportunities all that often,” said Wild general manager Bill Guerin of the 2024 Norris Trophy winner. “When a player of Quinn’s caliber comes available, and you have an opportunity to get him, there’s a cost to it and we were willing to do what it takes."

Hughes is one of six players that have been named to the United States roster for the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.