The New Jersey Devils wasted no time in locking down their young defensive cornerstone, announcing a seven-year, $63 million contract for Luke Hughes just as the NHL offseason buzz was heating up. At 22, the restricted free agent inked the deal with an average annual value of $9 million, a figure that underscores his rapid rise from promising prospect to indispensable blueliner. Last season alone, Hughes tallied 44 points in 82 games, proving his offensive flair while anchoring the back end amid injuries and inconsistencies.
Indeed, this extension feels like a natural extension of the family's legacy in Newark. Brother Jack Hughes, the Devils' electrifying center, remains under his own eight-year pact signed back in 2021, carrying a $8 million cap hit through 2029. That deal, inked when Jack was just 19, set a blueprint for long-term stability, and now Luke's commitment keeps the siblings united on the ice well into the 2030s. It's a shrewd franchise move, betting big on bloodlines and homegrown talent to chase playoff glory after years of near-misses.
However, negotiations weren't seamless. Reports swirled in recent weeks about disagreements on term length, with Luke reportedly eyeing a shorter bridge to align his free agency with Jack's in 2030. The Devils, though, pushed for security, and in the end, the seven-year structure prevailed—perhaps a compromise that avoids future drama. Moreover, this signing squeezes the cap tighter, raising eyebrows over veterans like Dougie Hamilton, whose $9 million deal now looks cumbersome alongside the Hughes duo's rising salaries.
But the real story here is continuity. The Devils, under GM Tom Fitzgerald, are building around the brothers' chemistry, a dynamic that's already sparked excitement among fans weary of rebuild cycles. And yet, as these contracts bind the Hughes era in place, one can't help but wonder if this all-or-nothing approach will deliver the Stanley Cup dreams or just prolong the wait.