Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald Comments on Luke Hughes Contract as Regular Season Approaches

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 1:12 PM ET

Luke Hughes is in for a big new deal with the New Jersey Devils, and now Tom Fitzgerald has reassured fans that a deal with the defenseman will get done.

The New Jersey Devils have one of the most talented core groups in the National Hockey League, and at the centre of it is 2/3rds of the Hughes brothers, with Jack and Luke both established as future stars in the league.

Unfortunately, Luke doesn't have a deal beyond this season, and while many expected a deal to get done, as of right now things haven't been moving quickly on that front.

Fitzgerald Addresses Luke Hughes Contract Negotiations

In a recent interview, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald addressed the situation with Hughes, and while some were nervous about his future, he reassured fans that this will get done.

'Eventually, this will get done. The 11th hour is training camp. Right? A lot of times, a lot of the stuff doesn't get done until the 11th hour. We're hoping we can get something done here in quick fashion, and both sides are working hard at it; that's for sure.'

Devils GM Outlines Vision on Salary Cap, Trade Market and Season Goals

In Hughes, the Devils have one of the most exciting young players in the NHL, and after tallying 91 points over the last two seasons and just turning 21-years of age, the future is incredibly bright.

As for the rest of the roster, Fitzgerald acknowledged how things are changing with the new CBA and the rising salary cap, but with some of the most talented young players in the league, the team are excited for the future and the present.

Ultimately, this is a great core in New Jersey, but to have success they'll need to lock in Hughes long-term, and if they can get that done as Fitzgerald expects, the 2025/26 season could be a big one for this franchise.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: