Contract Negotiations Continue: Will Luke Hughes Return to the Devils?

Earlier this summer, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald announced that re-signing defenseman Luke Hughes was a “top priority” and that they would focus on getting his contract signed. Fast forward to now, less than a month out from hockey returning to our screens and filling arenas, Hughes has been removed from the Devils roster. Although there is no confirmation that he won’t be returning, the team and Hughes have yet to agree on the terms of his contract. This has many fans worried. Without Luke on the team, could the Devils keep Jack Hughes if he got offered a better contract? 

While it’s later in the off-season than we anticipated Luke Hughes going unsigned, there’s still plenty of time for a successful negotiation. The biggest issue with the contract is deciding how long it should be. If they offer Hughes a 5-year contract, that would put him right into free agency along with Jack. This would make it much harder for the Devils to have any sort of power in future negotiations and put a huge damper on plans to acquire Quinn Hughes as well. Other than that, the Devils can pretty much give Luke any other length deal, even a one-year deal, and have better chances to negotiate down the line.

The Devils have just over six million dollars worth of cap space at this moment. The team hasn’t made any big moves in a while, so it’s relatively safe to assume that re-signing Hughes is their last big task before the season begins. However, the Devils have to be incredibly smart about the contract they offer, which is why it’s taking so long. Even though they could offer him a one-year contract, that would put him back into RFA status next year, meaning any team, particularly the Canucks, could give him an enticing offer. Despite all of the difficulties surrounding Hughes’ contract, I think it’s safe to say the Devils will get it done before the season begins. Losing Luke would put a huge dent in the team, especially when they really need Jack to stick around as well if they want any chance of signing Quinn later down the line. I’d expect to see Luke sign a contract very soon, as he has a bright future with the Devils.