This weekend’s New Jersey Devils news cycle has been buzzing with developments both on and off the ice. From contract negotiations involving Luke Hughes, to the release of the team’s 2024-25 preseason schedule, to a new baby joining the Devils family, there’s no shortage of headlines as the offseason inches toward training camp.
Luke Hughes Contract Negotiations Take Center Stage
One of the most closely watched storylines in New Jersey right now involves defenseman Luke Hughes. Reports suggest Hughes’ camp is seeking a five-year contract extension, which would align his unrestricted free agency with that of his brother Jack Hughes in 2030. This detail has sparked plenty of speculation about the Devils’ long-term roster strategy, and whether aligning the Hughes brothers’ contracts could become both a strength and a potential challenge in future cap planning.
The Devils, for their part, are believed to prefer either a shorter “bridge deal” to maintain flexibility or a long-term contract that extends beyond five years. With free agency and trades slowing across the league, New Jersey’s ability to create cap space may be the final hurdle before Hughes’ new deal becomes official.
Adding to the intrigue, Luke joined Jack and their brother Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks at Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan this week. The prospect of all three brothers skating together at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics has only fueled speculation about whether Quinn could someday reunite with his siblings in New Jersey.
A New Addition to the Devils Family
Off the ice, congratulations are in order for Cody and Bailey, who welcomed their daughter Charlotte into the world this week. The Devils’ community is known for being a close-knit family, and this joyful news added a personal highlight to an otherwise business-heavy weekend.
2024-25 Preseason Schedule Announced
The Devils also unveiled their full 2024-25 preseason schedule, which features multiple matchups at the Prudential Center. These games will give fans their first look at roster battles as players fight for depth spots—particularly among the forwards, where competition is expected to be fierce. With the Devils’ defense looking stacked, attention will be focused on who can step up offensively to solidify the lineup.
Coaching Staff Updates
Behind the bench, the Devils confirmed a series of coaching adjustments designed to maximize the team’s performance:
- Brad Shaw will take over responsibilities with the defense and penalty kill.
- Sergei Brylin is shifting into a more direct role with the forward group.
- Jeremy Colliton remains in charge of the power play after joining as an assistant coach.
- Alex Matheson has been hired as the team’s new video coach.
These changes underscore the Devils’ focus on refining special teams and tightening their defensive structure heading into the season.
Youth Foundation & Community Outreach
In another positive development, the Devils Youth Foundation launched its Youth Ambassadors Program, aimed at expanding the team’s community presence across New Jersey. This initiative will allow young fans to engage more deeply with the organization while promoting hockey’s growth at the grassroots level.
Draft & Trade Rumblings
Looking back at the summer’s roster moves, the Devils signaled interest in trading their No. 10 pick during the 2024 NHL Draft—specifically in search of goaltending help. While no blockbuster deal materialized, it’s clear that the front office continues to evaluate ways to add depth in net.
Among the offseason transactions, New Jersey re-signed forward Thomas Bordeleau and defenseman Dennis Cholowski, while also bringing in veteran goaltender Jake Allen and wingers Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. Departures included Erik Haula and Tyler Toffoli, while Daniel Sprong signed overseas with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.
With training camp fast approaching, roster competition is expected to be fierce, especially in the bottom-six forward group, where roles are still up for grabs.
Looking Ahead
The countdown to the 2024-25 season is officially underway, and there’s plenty for Devils fans to keep an eye on:
- Will Luke Hughes’ contract be resolved before camp opens?
- How will the coaching staff’s new assignments impact team chemistry?
- Which depth players will make the final cut after preseason battles?
One thing is certain: the New Jersey Devils enter the season with heightened expectations and one of the most intriguing young cores in the NHL.
