The New Jersey Devils have secured defenseman Luke Hughes with a new seven-year contract worth $63 million. The deal averages $9 million annually and confirms Hughes as a key player for the organization.
Luke Hughes: Career Overview
At just 22 years old, Luke Hughes has shown significant potential in the NHL. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds. Last season, Hughes played 71 games, accumulating 44 points with seven goals and 37 assists. His performance made him the leading scorer among Devils defensemen.
Hughes’s time on ice averaged 21:09 per game, ranking second on the team. He joined the Devils as a restricted free agent and made his NHL debut in April 2023, where he quickly made an impact.
Notable Achievements
- Career Points: Hughes has recorded 93 points in 155 NHL regular-season games, with 17 goals and 76 assists.
- First Goal: He scored his first NHL goal on April 13, 2023, an overtime winner against Washington.
- Calder Trophy Finalist: In the 2023-24 season, Hughes was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the League’s Rookie of the Year.
- Historical Milestone: His 47 points during the 2023-24 season marked the highest for a rookie defenseman in Devils’ history since 1982-83.
Consistency and Impact
Hughes displayed impressive consistency, with a career-high of 13 multi-point games in the 2024-25 season. On March 26, 2025, he reached a significant milestone, tying his career-high with three assists in a single game.
International Contributions
Loyal to Team USA, Hughes has represented his country in various international competitions. He led the U.S. defensemen at the IIHF World Junior Championship in both 2022 and 2023, not only scoring but also being named captain in 2023. Under his leadership, the team secured a Bronze Medal. Additionally, Hughes has actively participated in the IIHF World Championship, contributing to Team USA’s performance.
Early Career and Development
Before joining the Devils, Hughes excelled at the University of Michigan. He played 80 games, totaling 87 points and earning accolades such as Big Ten All-Freshman and Big Ten First All-Star Team honors. The Devils drafted him fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, showcasing their confidence in his capabilities.
As he joins the Devils for practice on Thursday, fans are eager to witness Hughes continue his journey and contribute to the team’s future success.
