The New Jersey Devils announced Wednesday they’ve signed restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million.
Hughes was a Calder Trophy finalist last season after posting 47 points in 82 games. The year before, he recorded 44 points in 71 games while finishing second on the team in average time on ice at 21:09.
Hughes brings offensive upside but his defensive play needs work. He’s got the tools to develop further as a strong skater with a 6-foot-2 frame.
Luke Hughes, signed 7x$9M by NJ, is a developing puck-moving D with skill that hasn’t quite translated to on-ice results yet. He might be the fastest D in the league, carries the puck a lot, great passer. Active in the D zone but a bit turnover prone and leaky off the rush. pic.twitter.com/xVi4HguTMx
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 1, 2025
The 22-year-old now ties with Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton as the team’s highest-paid player.
Hughes also ranks as the 12th-highest paid defenseman league-wide for the 2025-26 season. He’s now the highest-paid Hughes brother, topping Jack’s $8 million AAV and Quinn’s $7.85 million AAV.
Luke’s deal actually runs longer than brother Jack’s contract. Jack has five years remaining on his Devils deal while Quinn has two seasons left with the Vancouver Canucks.
Jack made headlines at September’s NHL/NHLPA player media tour when he said he “would love” to play with Quinn someday.
The contract temporarily puts New Jersey nearly $4 million over the salary cap. But defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic ($4 million cap hit) is expected to start the season on long-term injured reserve after offseason knee surgery.
That placement would give the Devils temporary cap relief until Kovacevic returns.
New Jersey selected Hughes fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
