Jeff Marek Predicts When Luke Hughes' NJ Devils Extension Gets Done

Marek expects Hughes, his agent Pat Brisson, and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald to bridge the gap and reach an agreement for the blueliner's extension before training camp begins.

“I think this one gets done before training camp,” Marek said.

NJ Devils Want Luke Hughes Signed Before Camp

Hughes, who will turn 22 on Sept. 9, is coming off a strong season, his second playing full-time NHL hockey, in which he scored seven goals and added 37 assists for 44 points.

He played significant minutes on the Devils’ blue line and was a key contributor during the team’s playoff run, though New Jersey fell in the first round in its postseason return after failing to get there in 2024.

Despite being without a contract for nearly two months, Hughes has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the Devils long term, something general manager Tom Fitzgerald echoed earlier this summer.

“I talked to his agent (on July 1). We said, ‘Let’s enjoy the holiday weekend and we’ll start talking after,’” Fitzgerald said. “He’s excited. He wants to be a Devil long term—just like his brother (Jack). We’re excited about that. I don’t sense anything other than Luke wants to be a Devil for a long time.”

NJ Devils' Cap Implications and Contract Options

The Devils have $6.1 million in available cap space, though offseason rules allow them to exceed the cap by up to 10 percent when it comes to re-signing a pending restricted free agent.

That flexibility gives New Jersey room to complete Hughes’ deal without caring much about how much they pay or his demands, although the franchise must be cap compliant by opening night.

AFP Analytics projects Hughes to sign either a short-term extension at $5.75 million per season, or a long-term one carrying a cap hit $8.39 million.

On the higher side, that long-term figure would place him alongside the team’s stars, between Dougie Hamilton’s $9 million per year and brother Jack Hughes’ $8 million cap hit.