New Jersey Devils Extend RFA Defenceman

Luke Hughes Signs Extension

Hughes was drafted by the Devils in 2021. In three seasons with the Devils, Hughes has scored 17 goals in 155 games. Last season, Hughes recorded 44 points in 71 regular-season games.

As a restricted free agent, the Devils did have control of Hughes. However, extending him now prevents the possibility of Hughes being tendered an offer sheet and leaving the team.

Hughes Brothers Together in New Jersey

This extension keeps Luke and Jack together for the next _ years. Jack, the first-overall pick in 2019, has emerged as an elite forward in the game today. Jack’s injury was a big loss for the Devils, who were eliminated in just five games in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Jack and Luke are not the only Hughes brothers in the NHL. Quinn, drafted in 2018, has played with the Vancouver Canucks his entire career. Furthermore, the brothers received recognition last season by being named the cover athletes for the NHL 25 video game.

Future of the Devils

The Devils have been a consistent playoff contender the last few seasons. Extending Luke will help them continue to contend in the Eastern Conference. In addition to Luke and Jack, the Devils also have defenceman Dougie Hamilton and goaltender Jacob Markstrom, which helps form a solid core in New Jersey.

The next step for the Devils is to try and add pieces to get over the hump in the playoffs. The Devils have not made it out of the first round since the 2023 playoffs. It will be interesting to see if the Devils are active in the free agent and/or trade market.