September 18, 2025 | 3:31pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
DEVILS, HUGHES “GRINDING” OVER NEW CONTRACT
Getty Images
Luke Hughes, defenceman
The New Jersey Devils continue to hammer away at contract negotiations with restricted free agent defenceman Luke Hughes, who did not attend the start of training camp today.
Hughes, 22, saw his three-year, entry-level contract expire June 30 and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald and Hughes’s agent Pat Brisson have been going back and forth on a new deal, with recent reports suggesting a long-term deal may be the focus.
Fitzgerald and Brisson picked up contract discussions this week and the lines of communication remain open, despite the current gap.
“This is part of the process. We’re grinding through this together. Respecting each other’s opinions,” Fitzgerald told reporters earlier today. “But this is part of the process. We’re disappointed he’s not here, he’s disappointed he’s not here.”
With an eight-year term believed to be the priority, Hughes could see his annual salary climb above $8 million if the two sides are able to finalize that type of agreement.
Tom Fitzgerald on Luke Hughes contract: "This is part of the process. We're grinding through this together. Respecting each others opinions. But this is part of the process. We're dissapointed he's not here, he's dissapointed he's not here."#NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 18, 2025
Hughes isn’t the only restricted free agent staying out of camp today, as Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks and Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators also did not attend their respective camps.
In 71 games with the Devils last season, Hughes registered seven goals and 37 assists for 44 points.