The New Jersey Devils wasted no time locking down their young defenseman Luke Hughes on Wednesday, inking him to a seven-year contract worth $63 million. At $9 million against the cap annually, the deal ensures Hughes stays put through the 2031-32 season. It's a hefty commitment, especially considering Luke's just 22, but one that keeps the Hughes brothers together on the blue line and forward lines alike.
Jack Hughes, the Devils' star center, has been the face of the franchise since his eight-year, $64 million extension back in 2021. That pact runs through 2029-30 at $8 million per year, and now Luke's extension aligns closely, potentially keeping the siblings in New Jersey into the next decade. The brothers' chemistry—both on and off the ice—has been a bright spot for a team that's pushed for playoffs but fallen short in recent years. Indeed, with this signing, general manager Tom Fitzgerald signals confidence in building around family ties and homegrown talent.
Luke's breakout came last season, where he notched 44 points in 71 games, leading the Devils' defensemen in scoring. His smooth skating and offensive instincts drew comparisons to elite puck-movers, yet negotiations dragged into training camp. Reports suggested a gap on term—Luke's camp eyeing a shorter five-year bridge to match Jack's timeline—but the Devils prevailed with the longer deal. This $9 million AAV might raise eyebrows in a cap-strapped league, but Hughes' upward trajectory justifies the investment, or so the front office hopes.
Moreover, the contract ties Hughes to teammates like Dougie Hamilton and Jesper Bratt, creating a core that's young and expensive. The Devils now boast eight defensemen locked in through 2026-27, easing some roster headaches. However, with cap space tightening, Fitzgerald's next moves could test that depth. For the Hughes brothers, though, it's stability amid the NHL's grind.
As the season kicks off, one wonders how this brotherly pact will shape the Devils' fortunes in the East.