NHL Rumor Roundup: Hughes, Zacha Face Trade Deadline Pressure, Leafs Could Move Wood

Quinn Hughes and Pavel Zacha could be trade candidates by the March 1 deadline if new deals aren't in place, per thehockeynews.com. The ongoing uncertainty over contract negotiations for the Minnesota Wild defenseman and Boston Bruins center has put both players in the spotlight as the deadline approaches.

Hughes, 26, is UFA-eligible next summer. The Wild would love to sign him to a lengthy extension, but he wants time to consider his options before taking such a big step. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported last Thursday that Wild GM Bill Guerin intends to remain patient and doesn't want to pressure him.

Zacha, 29, is in the final season of a four-year deal with a $4.75 million cap hit. He's coming off a career-best season with 30 goals and 65 points, and he'll seek a substantial raise as salaries continue to climb.

No trade is confirmed for either player, and both could still sign extensions before March 1. But the longer the negotiations drag on, the more the rumor mill will turn.

WILD'S HUGHES DILEMMA

The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe Guerin might have to consider moving Hughes before the March 1 trade deadline if he won’t sign. They called that “the nightmare scenario,” considering how much the Wild gave up to acquire him from the Vancouver Canucks last December.

Plenty of time remains for Hughes to sign an extension. A strong performance by the Wild could convince him that his future is in Minnesota. Whether he ultimately signs or is traded has not been confirmed.

The longer this drags on, the more his name will surface in the rumor mill.

ZACHA'S BRUINS FUTURE