The New Jersey Devils and restricted free-agent defenseman Luke Hughes ended their contract stalemate Wednesday, agreeing to a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $9 million, the team announced.
Hughes was a Calder Trophy finalist in 2023-24 when he tallied 47 points in 82 games. He managed 44 points in 71 games a year ago, finishing second on the team in average time on ice (21:09).
While he has shown flashes of offensive brilliance, Hughes' defensive game is still a work in progress. But he possesses the tools to improve as a gifted skater with a 6-foot-2 frame.
Luke Hughes, signed 7x$9M by NJ, is a developing puck-moving D with skill that hasn't quite translated to on-ice results yet. He might be the fastest D in the league, carries the puck a lot, great passer. Active in the D zone but a bit turnover prone and leaky off the rush. pic.twitter.com/xVi4HguTMx
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 1, 2025
The 22-year-old is now tied with fellow Devils blue-liner Dougie Hamilton as the highest-paid player on the team, and tied as the 12th-highest paid defenseman in the NHL for the 2025-26 season. He's also the highest-paid Hughes brother, besting Jack ($8-million AAV) and Quinn ($7.85-million AAV).
Luke is now under contract with the Devils longer than Jack, who has five years remaining on his deal. Quinn has two seasons left on his contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Jack made headlines at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in September when he said he "would love" to play with Quinn one day.
Luke's contract puts the Devils nearly $4 million over the salary cap for the time being. However, defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic ($4-million cap hit) projects to begin the season on long-term injured reserve after offseason knee surgery, which would give the club temporary cap relief until he can return.
The Devils selected Hughes with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
