NEWARK, N.J. — Luke Hughes is back on the ice with the New Jersey Devils after signing a seven-year, $63 million contract. The 22-year-old defenseman, who missed the start of training camp as a restricted free agent, practiced with the team Thursday and is expected to be ready for the season opener on Oct. 9 at Carolina.
Hughes has been medically cleared following major shoulder surgery in late April. He was injured on April 20 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Carolina Hurricanes and appeared in only one playoff game. The Devils were eliminated in five games. Ten days after the injury, Hughes underwent surgery.
Luke Hughes’ Return and Impact on the Devils
Head coach Sheldon Keefe noted that Hughes is coming off both a missed camp and a significant procedure, so the team will ramp him up thoughtfully. He has been skating regularly and says he feels strong, with the next step being to readjust to the pace and physicality of game situations.
Hughes had 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) in 71 regular-season games last season. The No. 4 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has 93 points (17 goals, 76 assists) in 155 career regular-season games, plus two assists in four playoff appearances. This new deal further solidifies New Jersey’s blue line. Defensemen Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Johnathan Kovacevic, Jonas Siegenthaler, and Seamus Casey are all under contract through at least the 2026-27 season. Simon Nemec is expected to step in for Kovacevic, who has a knee injury to start the year. Nemec can become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2026.
Hughes described New Jersey as a place that already feels like home and expressed a desire to remain with the Devils long term. His brother, center Jack Hughes, said the deal made sense for both sides and that Luke is eager to settle in with the group ahead of opening night. Jack also believes Luke’s conditioning is strong and that he should be ready once he acclimates to contact and pressure.
Jack Hughes, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, is entering year four of an eight-year, $64 million contract. Their older brother, Quinn, turns 26 on Oct. 14 and has two seasons left on a six-year, $47.1 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks.
Luke acknowledged the ongoing chatter about all three brothers playing together someday. He said it would be appealing to them, but there are no guarantees, noting that Quinn is established in Vancouver while he and Jack are happy in New Jersey. This family dynamic adds an interesting layer to the team’s chemistry as they look forward to the upcoming season.