Devils and Luke Hughes Still Split on Contract Length as Training Camp Nears

Negotiations between the New Jersey Devils and restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes remain unresolved as September begins. Hughes, 21, is represented by agent Pat Brisson of CAA, and general manager Tom Fitzgerald said earlier in the offseason that re-signing him was his top priority.

According to NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky, the primary issue is contract length. The Devils have indicated interest in either a short-term bridge deal of approximately three years, which could carry an average annual value of around $6 million, or a maximum eight-year extension projected to be between $8 million and $9 million per season. Hughes’s representatives are seeking a five-year deal, which would align the expiration of his contract with that of his brother Jack Hughes, whose deal runs through 2030.

Jack Hughes set the Devils’ franchise record for most points in a single season with 99 in 2022–23. Though limited by injuries last season, he remained productive. Luke Hughes completed the 2023–24 season with 44 points in 71 games while playing in all situations.

That contract uncertainty has also shown up in the betting odds. As of early September, New Jersey is listed between +1600 and +2000 to win the 2026 Stanley Cup, with ESPN BET at +1600, FanDuel at +1800, and BetMGM at +2000. BetMGM also has the Devils at +900 to win the Eastern Conference, +360 to win the Metropolitan Division, and -325 to make the playoffs, with “No” priced at +250. Earlier in the offseason, FanDuel listed New Jersey as short as +1300 before their odds moved to +1800. The Devils were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, losing the series 4–1. Moves elsewhere in the league, including Vegas acquiring Mitch Marner and the Rangers trading for Vladislav Gavrikov, also shifted the broader futures market.

NHL insider David Pagnotta, via NHLRumors.com, reported that both long- and short-term scenarios have been discussed, and noted that a shorter contract would keep Hughes under restricted free agent status. He said many players take a bridge deal before committing to a longer term. Pagnotta added that negotiations could pick up after Labor Day, a typical marker for teams and agents to push talks forward, and that both sides still expect an agreement before training camp begins in mid-September.

The Devils’ negotiations with Dawson Mercer earlier in the offseason did not go smoothly, and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman signed a long-term contract before a poor season, showing the risks of timing and term.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Rutherford has said that Quinn Hughes, the oldest of the Hughes brothers, would be interested in playing alongside his siblings. Quinn’s contract with Vancouver runs through 2027, and trade scenarios have been suggested as early as the 2026–27 season. A five-year deal for Luke would create the possibility that both he and Jack reach free agency together in 2030, which could complicate the chance of all three brothers playing on the same team.

Speculation has also surfaced that the Devils could trade defenseman Dougie Hamilton to clear salary cap space and open the way for Luke Hughes to establish himself as the top defenseman, though no trade has taken place. The Devils continue to weigh their options as they aim to finalize a contract with Hughes before training camp.