Ex-NHLer breaks down Quinn Hughes' impact on $68M Wild superstar and Minnesota's blue line

Quinn Hughes has only been in Minnesota for a few days, yet the effect is already clear. The Wild blue line looks faster, cleaner, and more connected with the puck. This has helped them win two consecutive games with a large goal differential, a 6-2 win against Boston, followed by a 5-0 shutout win against Washington.

That change starts with how defenders work together. One new piece has shifted roles, reads, and confidence across the pairings, and Hughes' impact on teammate Brock Faber is getting discussed.

Former NHL goalie Devan Dubnyk joined Jeff Marek on The Sheet podcast and explained why Hughes changes everything.

"Now you got two guys that like to move, and when you got to be able - you got to have another guy that can move for you to really be freed up and be able to play at that full potential," Dubnyk said. "And now, now he's able to do that, that the vision, the reading, the game, the passes that they're able to make to each other."

Dubnyk pointed out that when both players move well, options stay open longer. That creates cleaner exits and quicker attacks.

"If you've got a guy that doesn't move as well or doesn't read the game as well, on the other side, it's going to limit you a little bit," Dubnyk said. "And obviously, there's zero limits to Quinn Hughes, so that's going to help Faber a ton."

That partner, Faber, is signed with the Wild till the 2032-33 season on a $68 million contract. Since Hughes arrived, Faber has three assists in two games. That stretch ended an eight-game run without a point. Hughes also posted a goal and an assist in the same span, setting the tone right away.

Brock Faber moved to the second power play unit since Quinn Hughes' arrival

Quinn Hughes' trade came quickly and with a heavy price. Minnesota landed Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, and a 2026 first-round pick. The move pushed Hughes into the top defense role and slid Faber to the second power-play unit. Even so, Faber’s five-on-five game has opened up.

Faber’s season remains strong overall. He has six goals and 12 assists while logging over 24 minutes a night. His calm play has not changed, but his chances have grown. Hughes draws pressure and opens lanes, which gives Faber more room to attack.

Minnesota sits near the top of the Central Division with a 20-9-5 record and plays tight, planned hockey. Adding Quinn Hughes has raised the ceiling of the blue line.