Ranking all NHL contracts from 1–32 in terms of efficiency, the New Jersey Devils come in ninth overall.
The Devils have built a reputation for smart deals. In 2021, they signed Jack Hughes to an eight-year, $64 million contract, now often referred to as one of the best contracts in the league.
Next on the books is Jack’s younger brother, Luke Hughes. The defenseman just completed his entry-level deal and is expected to sign a long-term contract that will anchor him on the Devils’ blue line for years to come.
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has shown time and again that he knows how to strike value. It’s no surprise the Devils place so high on the league’s contract efficiency rankings.
As of mid-August, New Jersey has just under $7 million in available cap space, a far stronger position than rivals like the Philadelphia Flyers, who are already pressed against the cap. Once Luke Hughes’ deal is finalized, the Devils could still look to free up more room through a trade.
At present, the two largest contracts belong to Dougie Hamilton ($9 million AAV) and Ondrej Palat ($6 million AAV).
Hamilton remains one of the Devils’ most important veteran defensemen. He anchors the back end, contributes offensively, and has played a big role in mentoring Luke Hughes. Though he was rumored to be shopped earlier in the offseason, nothing has materialized, and Hamilton is expected to start the year in New Jersey.
Palat, on the other hand, has not been tied to trade speculation, but his contract is one the Devils may eventually need to evaluate. At 33 years old, his production has dipped from his Tampa Bay days. With age and injury risk working against him, his $6 million cap hit could become a sticking point if the Devils want to create flexibility.
Breaking down the payroll: 57.3% of salary is committed to forwards, 29.1% to defensemen, and 6.2% to goaltending.
Goaltending in particular is where the Devils have found value. Veteran Jake Allen, expected by many to test free agency for a bigger payday, instead re-signed with New Jersey at a much lower number than anticipated. That decision secured the backup spot with a familiar, reliable option, without straining the cap.
Overall, ranking ninth in the NHL for contract efficiency feels well-earned. From bargain long-term deals like Jack Hughes’ to bigger, less flexible contracts, the Devils’ cap management remains one of their strongest assets heading into the 2025–26 season.