Devils Secure 7-Year Agreement with Rising Star Luke Hughes
Breaking News: New Jersey Devils Secure Luke Hughes with Seven-Year Contract Extension
Details of Hughes’ New Contract with the New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have locked in their promising defenseman, Luke Hughes, agreeing to a seven-year contract valued at $63 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million. The announcement was made by Tom Fitzgerald, the President and General Manager of the Devils. Hughes is set to join the team for practice on Thursday.
Luke Hughes: A Rising Star on Devils’ Defense
At just 22, Hughes has quickly become a pivotal player for the Devils. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 200 pounds, he recorded 44 points in the 2024-25 season, including 7 goals and 37 assists across 71 games. These statistics not only led all Devils defensemen in points and assists but also power-play points (16). His average time on ice (ATOI) was 21:09, ranking second on the team.
Impressive Start in NHL and Historic Milestones
Hughes debuted in the NHL in April 2023, marking his first goal with an overtime winner against Washington. This achievement made him the third player in franchise history to net his first career goal in overtime. In his debut full season 2023-24, he was a Calder Trophy finalist, becoming just the fifth Devils player to be nominated for the Rookie of the Year award.
Record-Breaking Performance and Achievements
Hughes set a franchise record for rookie defensemen with 47 points in the 2023-24 season. He also reached 50 career points faster than all but two defensemen in franchise history. In his 100th game, Hughes celebrated a career-high of 13 multi-point games during the 2024-25 season. On March 26, 2025, he matched a personal best with three assists in a single game.
Draft History and Collegiate Success
Selected fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Hughes signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils in April 2023. His collegiate career at the University of Michigan was marked by brilliance, where he scored 87 points over 80 games and served as an alternate captain. His accolades include Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2022 and Big Ten First All-Star Team honors in 2023.
International Contributions to Team USA
Hughes has also been a standout on the international stage, representing Team USA at various levels. He played in the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023, leading USA defensemen in scoring. In 2023, Hughes was the team captain, steering Team USA to a Bronze Medal. Additionally, he represented Team USA in the 2022 and 2024 World Championships.
Preparing for Future Olympics With Team USA
Recently, Hughes attended the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan, in August 2025. This preparation hints at his potential participation in future Olympic competitions, further cementing his status as a formidable defenseman on both national and international platforms.
This long-term commitment from the Devils underscores the team’s confidence in Hughes’ ability to contribute significantly to their future success.
