Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes said he is "definitely open" to signing a contract extension in the offseason, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. Hughes will finish a six-year, $47.1 million contract at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, and Minnesota will want to lock him up with a new deal after acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks in December. The 26-year-old proved to be a great fit in Minnesota, amassing 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 regular-season games. He added 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 postseason outings. Since his debut campaign in 2019-20, Hughes has been among the most productive defensemen in the league and will aim for a fifth consecutive 70-point campaign next season.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek couldn't play in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against Colorado due to a heel injury. He broke the heel bone in his right foot during Minnesota's series-clinching Game 6 victory over Dallas in the first round. Although Eriksson Ek took part in the morning skate ahead of Game 3, his return doesn't appear to have been on the cards against Colorado. "You want to play," Eriksson Ek said. "I just couldn't do it. Too painful to skate." The Swedish forward also missed 12 regular-season games this year, finishing with 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists). Eriksson Ek is a strong fantasy contributor when healthy and will remain a core piece of the Wild offense in 2026-27.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin revealed he suffered a toe injury during the team's postseason run. The Swedish veteran fractured his right big toe in Game 5 against Dallas in the first round. He missed the first-round clincher and all five games of Round 2 against Colorado. Late in his career, Brodin has been prone to injuries. He hasn't played more than 62 games in any of the past four seasons. In 2025-26, he had one of the worst offensive campaigns of his 14-year NHL career, finishing with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 62 appearances. Brodin, who will turn 33 in July, has two seasons remaining on a contract with a $6 million cap hit.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) practiced fully on Sunday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The 27-year-old missed the last two games of Colorado's second-round series against Minnesota. Now that he's back on the ice, there's a strong chance Malinski will be ready to return to the lineup when the Western Conference Finals start on Wednesday. Throughout the season, Malinski has surprised many with his effective play. He shattered his career high with 40 points and has remained productive in the playoffs, totaling three points (one goal, two assists), 14 SOG, 14 blocks, and seven hits in seven outings. Jack Ahcan will drop out of the lineup once Malinski is cleared to play.