It's now been over four months since Quinn Hughes became eligible to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Wild — but player and club look no closer than they were on July 1 to putting pen to paper.

The ball remains in Hughes' court as Wild general manager Bill Guerin waits for clarity on the superstar defenseman's future.

All is quiet right now, and Guerin spoke again about the contract impasse Tuesday, making it clear he would be willing to keep Hughes past the March 1 NHL Trade Deadline, even without a new deal.

“Honestly, we’re a better team with Quinn Hughes, so I mean, I want to keep him as long as I possibly can,” Guerin told reporters, per NHL.com's Nicholas J. Cotsonika. “Whether it’s three months, three years, seven years, whatever, we’re a better team with Quinn Hughes.”

Guerin described the situation as “status quo” and said he would be willing to retain Hughes beyond the deadline without an extension.

“Honestly, I just want him to focus on hockey,” the executive added. “Like I said, he knows what’s going on in his head. He understands everything.”

Hughes was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in a blockbuster trade in December 2025. He's playing out the final season of a six-year, $47.1 million contract he signed in October 2021.

Although the 27-year-old said at the end of October that he “wouldn't be surprised if something happens soon,” the update certainly won't ease concerns for Wild fans.

After parting with multiple key assets to acquire Hughes, Minnesota risks losing him for nothing if he decides to sign elsewhere next summer.

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The Olympic gold medalist is off to a terrific start, amassing six goals and 26 points in just 19 games — second on the Wild and second among defensemen league-wide.

He continues getting better and is a critical reason why the Wild are 12-3-4 and in first place in the Central Division through 19 games.

Still, the longer this drags on, the more concerning it will be for the franchise that the former Norris Trophy winner might not see Minnesota as his long-term home.

The Wild are back in action against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night.