The New Jersey Devils appear to be making significant strides in their negotiations with young defenseman Luke Hughes, who has established himself as a key player in the team’s future. With the recent resolution concerning another young player, McTavish, in Anaheim, attention has shifted back to securing a deal with Hughes, one of the last remaining unsigned restricted free agents (RFA).
As negotiations progress, insider Ryan Novozinsky reports that talks between Hughes and the Devils have been moving in a positive direction. The anticipated contract could be an eight-year deal worth approximately $9 million annually. This would represent a notable increase for the 22-year-old defender, who is expected to play an integral role in helping the Devils compete this season, as they are projected to be among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
In his previous season, Hughes showcased his offensive abilities, tallying 7 goals and 37 assists over 71 games. Throughout his tenure with the Devils, he has accumulated 17 goals and 76 assists in 155 regular-season games and posted 2 assists in 4 playoff appearances.
Securing Hughes with a long-term contract would be a strategic move for the Devils, ensuring they can harness his potential as he aims for a spot in the Norris Trophy conversations in the coming years. This optimism, alongside the expectations for the team’s performance, paints a promising picture for both Hughes and the Devils as they gear up for the upcoming season.