New Jersey Devils Sign Luke Hughes to Seven-Year Deal

Newark, New Jersey – The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year contract worth $63 million. The announcement was made on October 1, 2025, by President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. Hughes will participate in practice on Thursday.

At just 22 years old, Hughes completed his second full season with the Devils, where he recorded 44 points from seven goals and 37 assists in 71 games during the 2024-25 season. His offensive contributions led all New Jersey defensemen, while his average time on ice of 21:09 per game ranks second on the team.

Hughes made his NHL debut in April 2023 and in his first 155 regular-season games, he has scored 93 career points—comprising 17 goals and 76 assists. Notably, he scored his first career goal as an overtime winner against Washington on April 13, 2023, becoming only the third player in franchise history to do so.

In the 2023-24 season, Hughes was a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist after posting 47 points, marking the highest total for a rookie defenseman in the franchise’s history since 1982-83. This included four power-play goals. Also, he achieved his 100th career game on November 27, 2024.

Born on September 9, 2003, Hughes was selected by the Devils as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Prior to joining the NHL, he played at the University of Michigan, where he scored 87 points in 80 games and served as alternate captain in his sophomore season.

On the international front, Hughes has represented Team USA at various levels, including the IIHF World Junior Championship, where he was team captain in 2023, leading the squad to a bronze medal.

Following some initial contract disputes that delayed the start of the preseason, Hughes is now set to continue his promising career with the Devils. His new contract will keep him with the team through the 2032-33 season, alongside his brother Jack Hughes, who is under contract until 2029-30.