Devils Sign Luke Hughes to $63M Contract

The New Jersey Devils signed restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal worth $9 million per year. Hughes missed the start of training camp during negotiations. With this signing, the Devils now have several defensemen under contract through at least the 2026-27 season.

Hughes, drafted by the Devils at No. 4 in 2021, is the brother of Jack Hughes, a top forward for the team. Luke Hughes turned pro at the end of the 2022-23 season after playing two seasons at Michigan. He became an NHL regular the following season, playing in all 82 games and finishing third in Calder Trophy voting.

In the 2024-25 season, Hughes had 44 points in 71 games before a shoulder injury ended his season during the playoffs. The Devils are looking for Hughes to continue his development as he matures, potentially taking on a larger role as Dougie Hamilton ages.

Hughes' contract is structured with a flat $9 million per season and includes a $1 million signing bonus for the first two years. The deal also gives Hughes a 10-team no-trade list for the final two seasons. The contract is similar to deals signed by other defensemen in the league.

The Devils may need to make roster adjustments to comply with the salary cap before the season starts. The team has the option to move injured player Johnathan Kovacevic to long-term injured reserve. If Hughes fulfills his potential, the contract could benefit the Devils in the long run.

The team will also need to consider the future of Dougie Hamilton, who is another high-earning defenseman on the roster. Hamilton has a few years left on his contract and certain trade protections in place. Managing both high-paid defensemen could be a future consideration for the Devils.