The sound of tape hitting stick echoed through Prudential Center’s empty practice facility. Luke Hughes was there again, working on his shot at 7 a.m., same as every morning this summer. For a 21-year-old who just put up 44 points and became New Jersey’s most reliable defenseman, that dedication tells you everything about why the Devils are ready to bet their future on him.
How Close Are the Devils and Luke Hughes to a Long-Term Deal?
The New Jersey Devils and Hughes are inching closer to locking in a long-term extension. Both camps are reportedly on the same page about a seven-year term, with the main back-and-forth now centered on the salary figure.
The deal has yet to be signed, but the goal is to wrap it up before training camp opens.
According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, neither Hughes nor the Devils are interested in a short-term bridge contract. The club prefers to keep the 21-year-old defenseman in New Jersey well into the next decade, following the same approach it took with his brother, Jack Hughes, and Nico Hischier.
Luke Fox: Re Luke Hughes: I think there’s a desire on both sides for this one not to be a bridge, for it to be a long term deal, maybe something in the 7 year range – Halford & Brough (8/6)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 7, 2025
Luke is one of the last remaining restricted free agents still without a contract for the 2025-26 season. Talks are said to be progressing smoothly, with the structure largely agreed upon, though the salary gap hasn’t been closed yet.
However, the Devils face some financial constraints. The team currently has around $6.1 million in cap space, a number that could shift if injured blueliner Johnathan Kovacevic moves to long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
It’s a knee injury for Johnny Kovacevic that he sustained on the first shift of Game 3.
It will likely require surgery and he’s not sure he will be ready for the start of next year’s training camp.#NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) May 1, 2025
That cap picture complicates negotiations considerably. New Jersey already has several big-money contracts for players like Dougie Hamilton and Timo Meier. Any new deal for Hughes must fit neatly into the team’s wider financial plan without forcing complex roster moves.
There’s been some chatter about clearing space through trades, but nothing major has materialized. The organization appears committed to finding a solution that keeps its core intact.
Why Did Luke Hughes’ Sophomore Season Change Everything?
Hughes boosted his bargaining position significantly with a standout sophomore campaign. He recorded seven goals and 44 points in 71 games, while averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per night.
New Jersey goal!
Scored by Luke Hughes with 19:34 remaining in the 3rd period.
Assisted by Cody Glass and Jesper Bratt.
New Jersey: 5
Columbus: 2#CBJvsNJD #NJDevils #CBJ pic.twitter.com/jAH10wJTPG— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) March 12, 2025
More importantly, his role grew even larger when Hamilton was sidelined with injury. Hughes stepped up seamlessly, handling top-pairing responsibilities and power-play duties with the composure of a veteran. That steady play gave the Devils complete confidence in him as their future defensive anchor.
Drafted fourth overall in 2021, Hughes wasted little time becoming a reliable top-pairing defender. Over just two seasons in the league, he’s accumulated 17 goals and 93 points, showing a rare combination of offensive touch and defensive composure for someone his age.
🔙 | 4 years ago today, Luke Hughes was drafted 4th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 draft!! #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/GoXAODc9PK
— hughes updates (@hughesupdates_) July 23, 2025
The organization sees him and Simon Nemec as the backbone of their defense for years to come. With Jack Hughes already committed long-term up front, adding Luke to the list would further cement the club’s identity around the Hughes family name.
One intriguing question is whether Luke’s salary could approach or even surpass Jack Hughes’ $8 million annual cap hit. Jack’s deal was signed four years ago, well before today’s higher cap projections, which could give Luke leverage for a bigger number if he continues anchoring the blue line.
Fox also pointed out that Hughes’ RFA status prevents other teams from submitting offer sheets, meaning the Devils can negotiate without the pressure of outside bids. That dynamic has allowed talks to progress deliberately without any artificial deadlines.
Nothing is official yet, but the organization expects both sides to finalize the extension before the 2025-26 season begins. The framework is there. Now it’s just about finding the correct number that works for everyone involved.
