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3w ago

Devils Sign Luke Hughes to Seven-Year, $63 Million Extension

The $9 million cap hit leaves New Jersey over the ceiling, prompting planned LTIR use to create short-term relief.

Mar 31, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Mar 2, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) skates the puck away from Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tanner Pearson (70) during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
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Dougie Hamilton and Brenden Dillon of the New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Overview

  • General manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the deal, which carries a $9 million AAV, with PuckPedia reporting a 10-team no-trade list in years six and seven.
  • Hughes will rejoin practice immediately and is eligible for remaining preseason action and the Oct. 9 season opener.
  • The contract makes Luke the highest-paid Hughes brother by AAV and ties him with Dougie Hamilton as the Devils’ top cap hit.
  • PuckPedia and team-focused reports project New Jersey roughly $3.8–$4.0 million over the cap, with LTIR expected for injured defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (knee) and potentially forward Stefan Noesen (groin) to provide temporary relief.
  • The agreement ends a protracted RFA holdout through camp and locks in a 22-year-old offensive defenseman long term, with outside speculation persisting about future roster decisions, including Hamilton’s role, to achieve permanent cap compliance.