As New Jersey Devils have been patiently awaiting a resolution with their promising young defenseman, Luke Hughes, it sounds like progress is being made in regards to getting a deal completed.
With the McTavish situation dealt with in Anaheim, things have ramped up on the Luke Hughes front. Hughes has asserted himself as one of the Devils top core defenseman of the future and should be someone in the Norris trophy running in his prime.
Luke Hughes remains one of the few remaining unsigned RFA’s. The Devils will be hoping to get a contract signed soon to get Hughes into game action and avoid missing any regular season time. According to the latest report, it appears more likely that will occur.
What is the latest on Luke Hughes?
Via insider Ryan Novozinsky, contract talks between Hughes and the Devils have “progressed positively” over the course of negotiations of late. He projects the deal to come in around 8 years by $9 million.
This would be quite the pay raise for the 22 year old defender, who looks to help the Devils go on a run this year as New Jersey is expected to be one of the East’s top contenders.
Hughes amassed 7 goals and 37 assists in 71 games on the Devils back end last year. Over the duration of his time with the Devils, Hughes has recorded 17 goals and 76 assists in 155 games in the regular season. In the playoffs, he has registered 2 assists in 4 games.
