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Devils Coach Announces Luke Hughes' Status After Holdout

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 8:30 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils brought defenseman Luke Hughes back to training camp this week after his contract situation and shoulder recovery kept him off the ice for most of September.

Hughes, 22, rejoined teammates at Prudential Center on Thursday after finalizing his new deal following a weeks-long holdout.

The No. 4 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft signed a seven-year, $63 million extension on Wednesday and returned directly to practice. Hughes had been skating on his own while waiting for negotiations to conclude, getting ready for his fourth NHL season.

Not only did the holdout impact Hughes' preseason, but the blueliner missed much of camp while rehabbing from surgery on his left shoulder, which he injured during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

| #NJDevils Head Coach Sheldon Keefe on Luke Hughes being back at practice today pic.twitter.com/dADXWkBA6j
— Hughes Updates (@hughesupdates_) October 2, 2025

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said on Thursday that the defenseman has been cleared medically and is expected to be available for New Jersey’s regular-season opener on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

“He’s been through all the medicals and testing that guys would normally go through at the beginning of camp, and he’s cleared,” Keefe said. “I don’t see a reason why he won’t be ready for the opener.”

Hughes made it clear he feels prepared despite the time missed in September.

“My body feels great, and my shoulders are strong,” Hughes said. “I’ve been skating five days a week, bag skating, and I just got to acclimate myself to the team and to playing real hockey. I don’t think it should be long.”

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) looks on during a stoppage of play.James Guillory-Imagn Images

Jack Hughes, meanwhile, said his younger brother’s conditioning is already close to game shape after watching him practice.

“With conditioning and cardio I’d say he’s in probably really good shape, but now he’s just got to get feeling good when guys are on his back and stuff and he’s got pressure coming to him,” Jack Hughes said. “I’m sure for Game 1 he’ll be really ready to go.”

Luke Hughes recorded 44 points in 71 games last season, leading New Jersey defensemen in scoring. He has 93 points in 155 career games, with two assists in four playoff appearances.

With Hughes back, the Devils’ blue line now features Hughes alongside Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Jonas Siegenthaler and Seamus Casey, all of them under contract through at least 2027.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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