In the high-stakes world of NHL contracts, the New Jersey Devils continue to build around their dynamic Hughes duo, with Jack Hughes' existing eight-year pact serving as the cornerstone of the franchise's ambitions. Signed back in 2021, Jack's deal carries an average annual value of $8 million, a figure that now looks like shrewd business amid skyrocketing salaries league-wide. Yet, as the younger brother Luke inks his own blockbuster extension, questions swirl about whether Jack's terms still hold up in this inflated market.
Luke Hughes, the 22-year-old defenseman who dazzled last season with 44 points, just committed to a seven-year, $63 million contract—an AAV of roughly $9 million that ties him to New Jersey through his prime. It's a move that screams long-term vision from GM Tom Fitzgerald, who has repeatedly called Luke's extension his top priority. Indeed, the brothers' synergy on the ice has been electric; Jack's 99-point campaign in 2022-23 even featured an assist on Luke's first NHL goal. However, Jack's injury-plagued recent years—missing chunks of seasons—add a layer of caution to his deal's legacy.
Moreover, with the cap space tightening, Fitzgerald's strategy hinges on these Hughes investments paying off in playoff glory. Jack, now 23, led the Devils to 52 wins that breakout year, but consistency remains the wildcard. The younger Hughes' pact, finalized just days ago, underscores the organization's faith in family talent, yet it also highlights how quickly valuations shift. Jack's $64 million total over eight years was once elite; today, it borders on bargain if he rebounds fully.
Still, as the Devils gear up for another run, the Hughes brothers embody both promise and pressure in a league where fortunes turn fast. One can't help but wonder if this sibling pact will define New Jersey's next era or merely test its limits.