Check out the latest on Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, and Canucks winger Brock Boeser in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo reports league sources are “emphatically” dismissing rumors that the Minnesota Wild are in trade talks with the New Jersey Devils regarding Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Russo indicated that Wild management is in ongoing discussions with Hughes’ agent, Pat Brisson, regarding a contract extension. They remain confident of signing the 26-year-old defenseman before the start of the regular season.

Hughes is in the final season of his six-year contract with a cap hit of $7.85 million. He can become an unrestricted free agent next July.

The rising salary cap is also raising the cost of new contracts, especially for superstars like Hughes. Russo speculated his next deal could be in the $19 million or $20 million range.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Russo has previously reported that the Wild would prefer to sign Hughes to the league maximum contract term of eight years before it is reduced on Sept. 16 to seven years, but the Hughes camp prefers a shorter term, perhaps between three and five years.

As for the Devils rumors, it sounds like wishful thinking because he hasn’t signed an extension with the Wild yet. Everyone knows Quinn would love to play alongside his brothers Jack and Luke one day, but that could be in 2030, when Jack’s contract with the Devils is set to expire. Signing Quinn by that stage would be a great incentive for Jack to stay in New Jersey.

Predictions are for gypsies, but for now, I think Hughes agrees to a three-year deal with the Wild worth around $20 million annually. Feel free to weigh in on this topic in the comments section below.

SPORTSNET: During Tuesday’s “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman proposed a theory that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson goes to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline.

Friedman cited a source who predicted the 36-year-old Karlsson becomes a Maple Leaf depending on how this season goes for both teams.

Karlsson is in the final season of his contract. If he and the Penguins have another solid performance like last season, Friedman doubts he’ll be traded. However, if Karlsson is in the trade market, his source believes Maple Leafs executives Mats Sundin and Daniel Alfredsson could help to entice the Penguins blueliner to come to Toronto.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bear in mind that this is a prediction from one of Friedman’s sources and not an actual trade rumor. There is no indication the Maple Leafs are pursuing Karlsson, nor are the Penguins shopping him.

Nevertheless, if the Penguins are out of playoff contention by March 1, they will likely peddle some of their veterans. That would include Karlsson, as they probably won’t re-sign him given his age and their ongoing transition toward a younger roster.

If Karlsson becomes available, he might consider waiving his no-movement clause to join the Maple Leafs if they’re having a good season. If they’re not, he’ll likely prefer going to a Stanley Cup contender.

TSN: Travis Yost believes Brock Boeser could become a trade candidate as the Vancouver Canucks continue their rebuilding program.

Boeser, 29, is entering the second season of a seven-year contract ($7.25 million average annual value) with a full no-movement clause.

Yost believes Boeser is a better player than his stats over the past two years suggest. Nevertheless, he thinks his best seasons may be behind him, and it would be worthwhile moving him while his value remains high.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: That depends on whether Boeser wants to stay and be part of the solution for the Canucks. If he’s unwilling to waive his no-movement clause, they will rely on his leadership and experience to mentor their younger players.

However, Boeser could decide his future lies elsewhere if the rebuild takes longer than expected. This season could decide where that might be.

THE PROVINCE: Speaking of the Canucks, Patrick Johnston reports first-year GM Ryan Johnson is open to adding a veteran to his roster on a PTO or a full-on free-agent agreement.

Johnston noted that a handful of notable players remain in what was a talent-thin UFA market. Forwards include Michael Bunting, Patrik Laine, and Vladimir Tarasenko, while Logan Stanley and John Klingberg are among the noteworthy defensemen.

Johnson could sign one of them, hoping they’ll have a good enough season to make them a worthwhile trade chip later in the season.