Are the Wild any closer to re-signing Quinn Hughes or acquiring Dylan Larkin? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

YARDBARKER: Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin joined SKOR North’s Judd’s Hockey Show on Tuesday to discuss his contract extension talks with Quinn Hughes.

“I’ve been talking to Quinn and his camp all along,” Guerin said. “Like I said last year with Kirill (Kaprizov), these things take time. They’re big decisions for players. They’re big decisions for teams. So, it’s a process to work through, and this is no different than any other big contract negotiation.”

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

Hughes, 26, is in the final season of his contract and is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. It was reported last week that Guerin met with the defenseman and his representatives in Michigan to discuss a new deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s rumored the Wild prefer to sign Hughes to a five-to-eight year extension before Sept. 16, when the maximum length for extensions will be shortened to seven years. However, the superstar blueliner could seek a three-year deal that expires at the same time as his brother Jack’s contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes the longer Hughes goes without an extension with the Wild, the more it benefits the Devils.

If the Wild aren’t able to re-sign Hughes, it raises the possibility that he could sign with the Devils next July, reuniting him with Jack and their younger brother, Luke. Nichols pointed out that the Devils have a projected $32 million in salary-cap space for 2027-28, with 14 active-roster players under contract and Dawson Mercer as their most notable player set to be a free agent.

Guerin also spoke about his search for a first-line center. The Wild are among the preferred destinations for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade following last season. However, his situation remains uncertain as the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

The possibility of starting next season without an established first-line center doesn’t concern Guerin. He believes his club must remain patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself, though he stressed that he would continue seeking ways to improve his club.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s been reported the Wild and Red Wings had discussed a trade involving Larkin, but the latter was unimpressed with an offer of draft picks and younger players, preferring an established player as part of the return. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos claimed last month that the Wings’ asking price was winger Matt Boldy, but the Wild aren’t giving up a star of his caliber.

Larkin’s situation will likely remain unresolved until the Wings hire their new general manager, who might be more flexible in trade discussions if Larkin still wants out. Otherwise, Guerin will have to look elsewhere for a first-line center.