New Jersey Devils Sign Defenceman Luke Hughes to Seven-Year, $63 Million Contract
The New Jersey Devils announced today that they have signed restricted free agent defenceman Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63M contract extension. The agreement carries an average annual value of $9M, securing one of the franchise’s brightest young stars through the 2031-32 season.
Hughes, 22, joins an elite group of core Devils players locked into long-term contracts as the organization aims to take the next step forward in 2025-26. His deal ties him with veteran defenceman Dougie Hamilton for the team’s largest salary cap hit this season, while forward Timo Meier ($8.8M), brother Jack Hughes ($8M), winger Jesper Bratt($7.875M), captain Nico Hischier ($7.25M), and veteran Ondrej Palat ($6M) headline the rest of New Jersey’s talented roster under contract.
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been steadfast in his belief that a long term deal would eventually get done, despite some nervousness from the fanbase as the regular season approached. “We will be signing him,” Fitzgerald told reporters. “I said it earlier … the top priority is signing Luke Hughes to a long-term deal. That’s our goal. It hasn’t changed.”
“This is part of the process. We’re grinding through this together and presenting both sides’ stories and where we want to go with this, respecting each other’s opinions.”
Last season, Hughes appeared in 71 games, recording seven goals and 44 points, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic young blueliners. In his young NHL career, he’s totalled 17 goals and 93 points across 155 games.
Selected fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Hughes made his league debut in April 2023. Since then, he’s quickly developed into a cornerstone of New Jersey’s defensive core. Known for his skating ability, offensive instincts, and ability to drive play from the back end, Hughes has consistently earned top-pairing minutes while continuing to elevate his game.
The signing also strengthens the Devils’ identity as a young, fast, and skilled team built around a core group of elite players who are committed long term. The Hughes family connection remains central to that vision, with Luke joining his older brother, Jack Hughes, under contract through the end of the decade. Jack, the team’s star centre, carries a cap hit of $8 million through 2029-30.
Hughes will report to Devils training camp on Thursday, following his absence during negotiations as an RFA. His return will provide an immediate boost as the team looks ahead to the 2025-26 NHL season with championship aspirations.
With Hughes locked in, the Devils boast one of the NHL’s deepest and most balanced rosters, featuring a blend of youth, experience, and high-end talent across all positions. New Jersey has two preseason games remaining before they kick off their season on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 9th.
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