Devils sign Luke Hughes to seven-year extension

The New Jersey Devils announced Wednesday they signed defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63 million contract extension that will pay him an annual average value (AAV) of $9 million.

The contract kicks in next season and run through through the 2032-33 season.

Hughes, 22, recorded seven goals and 37 assists for 44 points in 71 regular-season games in 2024-25, averaging 21:09 of ice time.

After his first full season in 2023-24, in which he finished with nine goals and 38 assists for 47 points, Hughes was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Making his debut in April 2023, Hughes has scored 17 goals and recorded 76 assists for 93 points in 155 career regular-season games.

Taken with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Hughes spent two seasons at the University of Michigan, finishing with 20 goals and 60 assists for 87 points in 80 career NCAA games. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors in 2022 and Big Ten First All-Star Team honors in 2023.

Before enrolling in college, Hughes spent two seasons in the USHL with the U.S. National Development program, playing one year with the Under-17 squad and one with the main squad. Through 46 career games, Hughes scored eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points.

Internationally, Hughes, born in Manchester, N.H., represented the U.S. many times, including twice at the World Junior Championship in 2022 and 2023, earning two bronze medals. He also played in the World Championships in 2022 and 2024.

The Devils went 42-33-7 with 91 points in 2024-25, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division. They were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

Forward Jesper Bratt led the team in points with 88 (21 goals and 67 assists), while Luke’s brother, Jack Hughes, scored 27 goals and 43 assists for 70 points. Nico Hischier led the way in goals with 35, along with 34 assists for 69 points.