Devils Not Close to Extension With Star Defenseman

“Both sides in Luke Hughes negotiation spoke again Monday night in an effort to find some leeway in talks for the unsigned RFA D,” LeBrun said in a tweet. “Both sides still need to find more common ground. Still a ways apart. Both sides are focused on a long-term deal but aren’t there yet on the AAV.”

LeBrun noted that there doesn’t appear to be any harsh tensions or feelings between the two parties, but the stalemate continues.

“The tone remains amicable between both sides,” LeBrun said. “But it continues to be a grind.”

Hughes has the potential to be one of the NHL’s top defensemen and at the age of 22, he still has a lot of developing to do. In 71 games played last year, he led Devils defensemen in scoring with seven goals and 37 assists for 44 total points.

Originally a fourth-overall pick of the Devils in 2021, Hughes is starting to live up to the expectations. Over his 155-game NHL career, Hughes has 17 goals and 76 assists for 93 points from the blue line.

On a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman referenced a few of the remaining RFAs had left their teams and returned to their home cities.

Hughes was not among the RFAs heading back home, but Friedman did say there was still some work to be done on an extension.

Training camps and the 2025 NHL preseason are underway, and the Devils are losing precious time as Hughes continues to sit out. Hughes is one of five remaining RFAs and arguably the most notable name.

Hughes is still without a deal alongside Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista, Vegas Golden Knights forward Alexander Holtz and Winnipeg Jets forward Rasmus Kupari.