Tom Fitzgerald prioritized re-signing RFA defenseman Luke Hughes, yet no agreement emerged by early September due to a contract-length dispute. The Devils prefer either a short-term bridge (around three years at roughly $6 million per season) or a maximum eight-year deal (about $8–$9 million annually). Hughes' camp reportedly wants the contract to align with older brother Jack's so both expire in summer 2030, raising the risk that both could become free agents simultaneously. Jack is an elite young scorer (99 points in 2023–24) while Luke showed development with 44 points in 71 games, creating long-term roster concerns.
New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said early on in the offseason that re-signing RFA defenseman Luke Hughes was his top priority. As we approach the beginning of September, that deal has still not come to fruition, and the reason why is becoming more clear. NJ.com's Ryan Novozisnsky described that there have been disagreements about the finer details of the new contract. The main point of contention seems to be the contract length.
The first, more obvious factor is that, in five years' time, both players would have the option to walk away from the Devils simultaneously. Jack and Luke represent the future of New Jersey's franchise on offense and defense, respectively, and the team is banking on having their contributions in the long-term. Jack, of course, is among the league's top young talent.
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