Quinn Hughes's potential acquisition was a frequent topic within the Devils front office during the season. Ultimately, the defenseman went to Minnesota. A new report from Michael Russo of The Athletic indicated that, during this same period, the Minnesota Wild General Manager also tried to trade for Luke Hughes.
In Russo’s recent article, he wrote;
“That may be why, per league sources, the Wild made a pitch to former Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald to acquire Luke this past season."
As the youngest of the three Hughes brothers, Luke has become a strong asset on the Devils' blue line.
The 22-year-old was drafted fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. Over four seasons, Hughes has played in 223 games and scored 128 points.
Hughes secured his spot in the Devils' future on October 1, 2025, when he signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the team. Hughes earns an average of $9 million per year.
This season, the defenseman posted 35 points in 68 games.
Based on Russo’s report, the Wild proposed a trade for the young defenseman, but then-GM Tom Fitzgerald refused the offer.
Fitzgerald was relieved of his duties at the end of the season, and the newest general manager, Sunny Mehta, took over.
The team finished the season with a 42-37-3 record and 87 points, placing seventh in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs.
Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
THN.com/free