Devils: Multiple Factors In Lack Of New Contract For Luke Hughes

There is starting to be some worry for the New Jersey Devils as the team has still not signed RFA Luke Hughes to a contract extension off of his entry-level deal. There are a couple of reasons why and the Devils have somewhat put themselves in this position.

The first reason involved Luke's brother Jack. As explained by Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com, "last we heard, the Devils were seeking either a shorter term bridge deal (around three years) or the max eight years, while the Hughes' side wants to line Luke's deal up with his brother Jack, who becomes a free agent in five years."

The lining up of the contract with Jack is a reason the Devils can't control. Unfortunately for New Jersey, Luke would be UFA eligible in 2030, so either the short-term deal allows the team to still have control for two more years and get a deal done, or the Devils get him for three years of UFA status, which would be the most ideal, likely convincing Jack to stay in New Jersey as well.

From Luke's standpoint, it's understandable that he would want to make a decision on his future alongside his brother, even if that means ultimately staying with the Devils. It's not often brothers who are stars are on the same team and get to play together for years.

There are other factors around the league that might be halting any action as well. There is silence around the league involving trades and the Devils only have $6.1 million in cap space, even though it will be a little more when they trim the roster to 23 players. That amount of money is likely less than Hughes would want on even a bridge deal of 2-3 years as he is already proving to be a number one defenseman and will soon be one without question.

The trade market consists of overpriced players or unwilling partners, slowing the offseason up by a great amount in August and into September. Not only have the Devils wanted to sign Hughes already, the offense could absolutely do with another addition. The season hasn't begun yet, but a holdout would not be good for anyone.