Quinn Hughes has given Minnesota Wild fans a reason to feel a little better about his future. But I wouldn’t start planning the contract celebration just yet.

Hughes said, “My two feet are planted in Minnesota,” and added that “something could happen soon.” That’s encouraging language from a player who could become an unrestricted free agent next July. But he also admitted he wasn’t really sure about the timing. There’s a difference between feeling at home and being ready to sign on the dotted line.

I think that’s the important distinction here. Hughes sounds comfortable, and he sees a team that could give him a chance to win. That’s a good starting point.

Minnesota Has Plenty Going for It

Hughes pointed to Minnesota’s defensive group, including Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon, and Brock Faber. That’s understandable. Having that kind of support around him gives Hughes a chance to play his game without feeling he has to do everything himself.

He also believes the Wild have a chance to win this season. For a player of his calibre, that’s going to matter. Great individual numbers are nice, but eventually, players want to be part of something that can compete for a championship.

Minnesota appears to offer Hughes that opportunity. Whether the team can turn that promise into sustained success is another question, of course.

Don’t Read Too Much Into the Family Connection

There’s an obvious subplot here. Hughes’ brothers, Jack and Luke, play for the New Jersey Devils, and Connor Hellebuyck had just been traded there. It’s easy to see why people might wonder whether Quinn could eventually join them. But Hughes has said he’s happy in Minnesota. I wouldn’t take the family connection as evidence that he’s looking for a way out.

There’s also talk about Dylan Larkin potentially joining the Wild. Hughes acknowledged that adding his friend would make Minnesota better, but he dismissed the idea that Larkin’s arrival would determine whether he signs.

That’s worth remembering. A player can appreciate a friend’s arrival without making his own future dependent on it.

What Happens With the Contract?

Hughes is in the final season of his current deal, and his agent, Pat Brisson, has begun discussions with Wild general manager Bill Guerin. A long-term agreement would give Minnesota some important security on the blue line, but it would also require a substantial financial commitment.

Cale Makar’s reported $20.5-million annual average value provides some context for the market’s upper end. It doesn’t tell us what Hughes will ultimately seek or what Minnesota will be willing to pay.

For now, I’d take Hughes at his word that he’s happy where he is. His comments give the Wild reason for optimism, not certainty. And if you’re a Minnesota fan, that’s probably a pretty good place to start.

Related: Dylan Larkin Is Taking the Heat. But What About the Red Wings?