Islanders' Schaefer Extension Could Be Influenced by Hughes Deal

The New York Islanders are closely monitoring contract negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and defenseman Quinn Hughes, as the outcome could set the market for their own star blueliner Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is eligible for an extension next summer, and the recent Bowen Byram deal at $12.5 million annually is a likely starting point. A Hughes extension could raise the price tag for Schaefer.