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You'll never believe what Cale Makar just said about Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division

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Theodore Mosby
December 19, 2025 (9:25)

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The NHL shifted underfoot last week when the Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes in a blockbuster trade, and the ripple effect is already felt in Colorado. Hughes, one of the league's elite puck-moving defensemen, was dealt by the Vancouver Canucks to Minnesota for a haul that included Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren, and a first-round pick, a massive swing for both clubs.

For the Colorado Avalanche, the move doesn't alter the standings overnight, yet it does deepen a Central Division rival already chasing the top of the league.

Minnesota sits behind Colorado in points but now boasts a defense anchored by another Norris Trophy-level talent, one who scored in his Wild debut in a 6-2 rout of the Boston Bruins.

Cale Makar just broke his silence on Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division.

Samuel Len from Breakaway On Si writes that Avalanche fans are already projecting a potential playoff collision between Cale Makar and Hughes, a tantalizing matchup between two of the best blueliners in hockey. With Colorado leading the division and Minnesota still several points back, it's easy to see a scenario where these teams meet in the postseason and fans get that dream showdown.

There's no public quote yet from Makar about the trade, but the Avalanche brass has acknowledged the shift in the division. GM Chris MacFarland called the blockbuster move "a big trade for both teams" and said it sets up "great hockey" down the stretch.

Colorado didn't pursue Hughes before the deadline, and according to internal chatter and reporting, the Avalanche are content to stay balanced rather than disrupt their roster chemistry. Their blueprint since building this core hasn't been splashy one-for-ones but careful construction around Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and depth pieces.

Analysts point out that Hughes and Makar have been neck-and-neck statistically among defensemen in recent seasons, but Makar still edges the league for overall value and production. That kind of internal competition is part of what makes a possible playoff matchup feel must-see.

Wild fans are understandably fired up about their new acquisition, describing the trade as akin to "Christmas morning" for a franchise finally making a big splash after years of chasing relevance.
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For Colorado fans, the sentiment splits between respect for a rival's bold move and confidence that Makar's Avalanche remain the benchmark. One thing seems likely: if these teams cross paths in spring, the spotlight will be on their best stars.

Previously on Colorado Hockey Daily

New report just leaked Cale Makar's projected next contract

Avalanche fans will love what Martin Necas said about Central Division battles

You won't believe what Brent Burns is willing to sacrifice for a Stanley Cup

POLL
DECEMBRE 19 \| 30 ANSWERS You'll never believe what Cale Makar just said about Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division Do you think the Wild have what it takes to compete with the Colorado Avalanche?
Yes	15	50 %
No	15	50 %
List of polls

You'll never believe what Cale Makar just said about Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division

Cale Makar just broke his silence on Quinn Hughes joining the Central Division.

Do you think the Wild have what it takes to compete with the Colorado Avalanche?