The New Jersey Devils recently announced that they have signed restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal worth $63 million, with an average annual value of $9 million. President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald made the exciting announcement, and Hughes is expected to join the team for practice soon.
At just 22 years old, Hughes has already made a significant impact. Last season, he played in 71 games, scoring 7 goals and providing 37 assists for a total of 44 points. His strong performance marked him as the leading scorer among Devils defensemen, setting the stage for a promising future. He averaged over 21 minutes of ice time per game, ranking just behind teammate Brett Pesce.
Hughes made his NHL debut in April 2023 and has quickly amassed 93 points—17 goals and 76 assists—over 155 games. His first career goal was memorable; he scored the overtime winner against Washington. This achievement made him only the third player in the team’s history to mark his debut goal in overtime. Additionally, he was a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist for Rookie of the Year in the 2023-24 season, recording a career-high of 47 points, the highest for a rookie defenseman in the franchise since 1982-83.
Statistically, Hughes stands out in the franchise’s history. He needed only 68 games to hit 50 points, a record surpassed only by Barry Beck and Tapio Levo. He marked his 100th career game on November 27 against St. Louis and has recorded a notable 13 multi-point games in the last season.
Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Before joining the NHL, he had an impressive college career at the University of Michigan, tallying 87 points across 80 games. He was not only an alternate captain but also earned multiple accolades, including Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2022 and First All-Star Team honors in 2023.
Internationally, Hughes has represented Team USA at various events. He led USA defensemen in the 2022 World Junior Championship, scoring six points, and captained the team in 2023, helping secure a bronze medal. He also competed in the IIHF World Championships in 2022 and 2024, contributing five points in eight games. In August, he was part of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Orientation Camp, showing his commitment to continuing his growth and representing his country.
Fans are thrilled about Hughes’ contract, reflecting a strong belief in his future with the Devils. As one social media trend highlighted, many are excited to see how he’ll evolve within the team and contribute to their success over the coming years.
With the Devils investing in Hughes, it’s clear they see a bright future ahead. His talent and dedication not only promise to bolster the team but also excite fans as they look forward to the upcoming season.
For more information on player contracts and NHL statistics, you can check the [NHL’s official site](https://www.nhl.com).
