Elliotte Friedman Offers Cautious Update on Devils' Luke Hughes Contract Situation

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Hughes’ camp and the Devils remain “a ways apart” in contract talks. While both sides have agreed on pursuing a long-term extension, the average annual value is the sticking point.

"Both sides in Luke Hughes' negotiation spoke again Monday night in an effort to find some leeway in talks for the unsigned (RFA defenseman)," LeBrun posted on X. "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. The tone remains amicable between both sides. But it continues to be a grind."

Hughes, 22, has posted back-to-back 40-plus point seasons to start his NHL career. The Devils drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2021, and Hughes scored 47 points as a rookie before notching 44 more in 71 games last year.

According to Bleacher Report's Frank Seravalli, a possible hurdle in negotiations is the precedent set by Luke’s brother Jack.

Jack Hughes signed an eight-year, $8 million AAV deal in 2021 that has since delivered immense value to the Devils. Luke’s camp, represented by Pat Brisson, is believed to be pushing for a higher figure with the salary cap set to rise.

AFP Analytics projects Luke’s value at roughly $8.4 million AAV on an eight-year deal, which would slot him behind only Dougie Hamilton's $9 million cap hit among Devils blueliners.

As things stand, New Jersey does not currently have that cap space, sitting at just $5 million in cap room, with cap management questions left for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to solve.

Under NHL rules, restricted free agents must sign by Dec. 1 to play at any point during the season, though few expect negotiations to last that long, if they even drag into the regular season at all.