News broke recently that Luke Hughes was removed from the New Jersey Devils roster, but the headline sounds far more alarming than the reality.
There is absolutely no cause for concern. Hughes is still very much in the Devils’ long-term plans. His roster removal is simply a procedural move while he awaits a new contract. Until negotiations are finalized, the team can’t officially list him on the active roster.
And make no mistake: when the puck drops on the 2025–26 season, Hughes will be wearing red and black.
A Franchise Cornerstone
At just 21 years old, Hughes has already established himself as a cornerstone defender and a key piece of the Devils’ future. His skating, size, and poise make him an irreplaceable part of the blue line, there’s no debate he’ll be signed. The only questions are when the deal will get done and what the structure will look like.
Why the Delay?
Earlier this offseason, GM Tom Fitzgerald called signing Hughes his “number one priority.” He noted that contract talks would begin after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
But weeks passed… then months. Now, three months later, no deal has been finalized. So what’s the holdup?
Two likely factors:
- Cap Space — New Jersey has just under $7 million available. Locking Hughes into a long-term deal means careful structuring to balance both present and future flexibility.
- Term and Value — Hughes isn’t a short-term piece. The Devils want him as a franchise defenseman for the next decade, which means negotiating a high-value, multi-year deal. Those take time.
Bottom Line
Yes, the delay is frustrating, especially after Fitzgerald suggested it would be wrapped up quickly. But it’s not alarming. The Devils need Hughes, Hughes wants to be in New Jersey, and there’s still plenty of time before the season starts.
With 48 days until puck drop, expect the deal to get done. Hughes will be back on the roster, anchoring the blue line, and leading the Devils on what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
So, Devils fans: breathe easy. This is simply part of the business side of hockey.