Devils GM 'Disappointed' by Luke Hughes' Contract Situation

“This is part of the process. We’re grinding through this together and presenting both sides of the story, and where we want to go with this, and respecting each other’s opinions,” Fitzgerald said. “Unfortunately, we’re disappointed he’s not here. I know he’s disappointed he’s not here.

“I was texting with him yesterday, knowing that we will get through this at some point; we just don’t know when that point is.”

Fitzgerald reiterated that the team’s priority is a long-term deal, calling it “the top priority” for the organization.

"We will be signing him," Fitzgerald said. "I said it earlier — the top priority is signing Luke Hughes to a long-term deal. That's our goal. It hasn't changed."

The Devils drafted Hughes with the No. 4 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, and the blueliner has quickly become a key piece in New Jersey’s lineup.

Over his first two full seasons with the team, he has totaled 91 points in 153 games, adding two in two games in the 2022-23 season to make it 93 in 155 regular-season career outings.

Hughes produced seven goals and 37 assists in 71 games last season while anchoring the second defensive pairing of the Devils and contributing heavily on the power play, assisting 16 power-play goals.

Despite the stalemate, Fitzgerald already told RG's James Murphy at the end of August that he remains optimistic that an agreement will come in due time.

“The 11th hour is training camp. A lot of times, a lot of the stuff doesn’t get done until the 11th hour,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re hoping we can get something done here in quick fashion, and both sides are working hard at it.”