Training camp is just around the corner, and the New Jersey Devils still haven’t checked off one of their biggest to-dos: signing Luke Hughes. The 21-year-old defenseman remains without a contract as a restricted free agent, and the clock is ticking for both sides to reach an agreement before camp opens in mid-September.
Will the Devils Get Luke Hughes Signed Before Training Camp?
Hughes’ representatives are reportedly seeking a five-year deal that would run through 2030, the same year his brother Jack’s contract expires. That timeline could give the Hughes brothers a chance to hit free agency together.
New Jersey, however, is said to prefer either a shorter bridge deal or the full eight-year extension, ensuring one of their key building blocks stays put long term.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald has kept his tone calm, reminding reporters that contracts often go down to the wire. He and agent Pat Brisson are expected to keep grinding away at the details until something is finalized.
“Eventually, this will get done,” Fitzgerald said [via rg.org], confident a deal will be signed before Hughes misses time.
“The 11th hour is training camp. Right? A lot of times, a lot of the stuff doesn’t get done until the 11th hour. We’re hoping we can get something done here in quick fashion, and both sides are working hard at it; that’s for sure,” he added.
The sticking points are the terms and the money. Comparable young blueliners like K’Andre Miller, Noah Dobson, and Martin Fehervary have signed sizable contracts in recent years, and Hughes has every reason to expect similar value.
With 91 points in his first two NHL seasons and heavy minutes already on his shoulders, he has quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young defensemen.
The Devils know how disruptive stalled talks can be. Last fall, Dawson Mercer’s contract dragged on into camp, something the front office is determined not to repeat. Hughes’ camp and the team remain in constant contact, and there’s optimism that this deal won’t linger.
New Jersey currently has a little more than $6 million in cap space, though adjustments may be needed depending on the final numbers.
Hughes’ Importance to the Core
Drafted fourth overall in 2021, Hughes has been fast-tracked into a central role. He picked up 44 points in 71 games last season, averaged more than 21 minutes a night, and became a fixture on both special-teams units.
His skating and poise with the puck have made him an essential part of the Devils’ defense.
The organization views Hughes as a long-term pillar alongside Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier. Getting him locked in is about more than cap numbers; it’s about cementing the foundation of a team that expects to contend for years.
Talks are expected to continue right up until camp opens. While details still need to be ironed out, the prevailing belief is that Luke Hughes will be signed and ready when the puck drops on the new season.
