The New Jersey Devils made headlines on October 1 with the announcement that defenseman Luke Hughes has signed a seven-year, $63 million contract extension, ending weeks of speculation about his future. The deal, carrying a $9 million annual average value, ensures that one of the NHL’s most promising young blueliners will remain in Newark through the prime years of his career.

Hughes, 22, had been a restricted free agent and missed the start of training camp while negotiations were underway. With the agreement finalized, the former fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft will return to the ice with his teammates this Thursday, joining the Devils’ preparations for the 2025-26 campaign.

The signing marks a major victory for General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, who had repeatedly emphasized that keeping Hughes in New Jersey was the organization’s top offseason priority. Fitzgerald praised Hughes for his impact both on the ice and in the locker room, noting that the young defenseman represents the franchise’s commitment to building a contender.

Last season, Hughes delivered a standout performance in just his second full NHL year, tallying 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) over 71 games. His playmaking ability made him the Devils’ leading defenseman in points, assists, and power-play production. With his speed, puck-handling skill, and growing maturity, Hughes has quickly established himself as one of the cornerstones of New Jersey’s blue line.

While Hughes’s contract dominated the day’s news, the Devils were also busy shaping their roster as the preseason winds down. The club announced its first round of roster cuts, trimming the training camp group as opening night approaches. The moves reflect the coaching staff’s effort to fine-tune combinations and evaluate prospects before the final roster is set.

Off the ice, the Devils continue to rise in franchise value. Sportico’s latest NHL team valuation report ranked the Devils 11th overall, with a valuation of $2.06 billion. That figure highlights the organization’s growth in both performance and market presence, further solidifying its place among the league’s most valuable clubs.

Meanwhile, Devils prospects around the world have had a quiet stretch. Despite strong showings earlier in the preseason, many younger players have struggled to make an impact in recent weeks. Goaltender Jakub Malek impressed in his preseason debut, and defenseman Ethan Edwards has raised his profile, but overseas results have been less encouraging. Russian blueliners Anton Silayev and Artyom Barabosha remain without points after multiple games, and forward David Rozsival has started his USHL season on a four-game scoreless streak. Winger Kasper Pikkarainen has one assist through eight games in Finland’s Liiga.

Between the NHL roster taking shape and prospects awaiting their NCAA and AHL seasons to begin, the Devils’ development pipeline remains a story worth following. While this week brought little excitement statistically, the organization expects more action once its affiliate teams start regular competition.

For fans, the biggest takeaway is clear: Hughes is locked in, the roster is narrowing, and anticipation is building for the puck drop on the new season. As the Devils aim to build on recent momentum, Hughes’s presence on the back end adds stability to a lineup filled with young stars.

For more updates, analysis, and coverage of the Devils throughout the season, visit Explore New Jersey Devils.