Puck Empire released their 2025 list of the top 50 defensemen in the NHL, and for NJ Devils fans, it was a mix of satisfaction and surprise. While Dougie Hamilton earned a spot, some players being left off of the list raised eyebrows.
Here is the full list.
Hamilton, a steady presence on the Devils' blue line since the 2021-22 season, was ranked 38th. Last season, he played in 64 games and totaled 40 points. Despite offseason trade speculation, nothing is set in stone. For now, his presence remains valuable.
Hamilton is currently in year five of a seven-year, $63 million contract, earning $9 million annually. Trading him could free up cap space to address other roster needs, especially with younger talent like Luke Hughes, who is in line for a new deal.
Hughes, the Devils’ fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft, is currently a restricted free agent. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald made his intentions clear on July 2nd, stating, “My number one priority is Luke Hughes.”
Hughes completed his three-year entry-level contract after a strong 2024-25 season, playing all 82 games and posting 9 goals, 38 assists, and 47 points. He was also a finalist for the 2023–24 Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top rookie.
Still, Hughes was left off Puck Empire’s top 50 list. While his age (21) and relative inexperience may have played a role, especially compared to veterans like Chris Tanev (ranked 26th) and Adam Fox (ranked 4th),his performance suggests he’s on the rise.
Should Luke Hughes have made the list? That’s debatable. Puck Empire clarified that they “tried to use the last 2–3 seasons instead of just the most recent, but of course the most recent was the heaviest valued.” By that standard, his omission makes sense.
One Hughes brother who did make the list? Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks, and he was ranked second overall.
And that brings us to a circulating rumor: Quinn is reportedly interested in playing alongside his brothers in New Jersey. When discussing the Canucks’ 2024–25 season, Vancouver’s President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, said: “(Quinn) has said before he wants to play with his brothers. That would be partly out of our control. In our control if we brought his brothers here.”
Quinn is signed through 2027, so unless he pushes for an early exit, he’ll remain in Vancouver for now. But come 2027, a Hughes family reunion in New Jersey isn’t out of the question.
So while rankings like Puck Empire’s are just one perspective, they offer a glimpse into where the Devils’ blue line stands, and where it might be heading.
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