With less than a week until the puck drops on opening night of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, Luke Hughes and the New Jersey Devils have finally agreed on a new contract.
The emerging star defenseman had his heels dug in throughout this lengthy stalemate, insisting he wanted either a long-term deal at big money or a shorter term in order to cash in soon down the road.
It turns out he got his wish with the former, landing a massive seven-year, $63 million extension that will pay him $9 million in average annual salary.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman was the first to break the news with the details on X (formerly Twitter).
“Luke Hughes and NJ are closing in on a 7X$9M extension,” Friedman wrote.
Luke Hughes and NJ are closing in on a 7x$9M extension
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 1, 2025
The 22-year-old had just played out the final season of his three-year, $2.78 million entry-level contract signed with the Devils in 2023.
He was very productive in 2024-25, posting 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) in just 71 games, looking more and more like the fourth-overall pick New Jersey selected him to be back in 2021.
Thoughts on the deal
This was a mandatory piece of business for both Luke Hughes and the New Jersey Devils to get done before the season started.
Hughes might not be a $9 million defenseman as of this moment, but his play at such a young age has him on a trajectory to be worth that in the near future and likely more than that once he truly reaches his prime.
We also can’t forget about the rising salary cap that surely had a big effect on these negotiations. It’s very possible that in two or three years, we’re looking at this contract as a steal for the Devils.
This also confirms that two-thirds of the Hughes brothers (Jack and Luke) will be locked into New Jersey for a long time to come, so if Quinn ever decides to join them, it will almost certainly be in the Garden State.
All in all, both sides should be thrilled to have this agreed upon and put behind them. Hughes will now have just over a week to prepare himself for the Devils’ season opener next Thursday, October 9th, in Carolina against the Hurricanes.
