Is Jack Hughes' Contract Affecting Brother Luke's RFA Negotiations?

Is Jack Hughes' Contract Affecting Brother Luke Hughes' RFA Negotiations?

New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said back at the beginning of the summer that extending restricted free agent Luke Hughes was his top priority. "He wants to be a Devil long-term — just like his brother," Fitzgerald said back on July 2nd. "We’re excited about that."

We're now a week into August, and still, no deal. So what gives?

Well, it's about that 'brother' thing, according to a couple of reports.

James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now suggests that the 8-year x $8 million AAV deal of Luke Hughes' big brother and star center for the Devils, Jack, could be what's leading to the standoff. The idea is that with two-time All-Star Jack's contract now looking like an extreme bargain for the Devils (ranked as the NHL's best valed contract), the Hughes family doesn't want to succumb to another team-friendly deal with Fitzgerald.

"It should come as no surprise to learn that both Jack and Luke Hughes have the same agent, Pat Brisson of CAA Sports," writes Nichols.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet seems to insinuate the same thing. But he also points to another problem: Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber's eight-year x $8.5 million extension, which kicks in this coming season, is an ideal comp for Luke Hughes. But yes, that $8.5M AAV would eclipse Jack Hughes' number.

All sorts of familial ramifications coming into play here as the Devils try to figure out a way to get the youngest Hughes brother, Luke, signed to an extension. Both sides really want to get it done, it's just a matter of how they negotiate around those issues.

Luke Hughes, 21, was the 4th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, two years after his brother Jack went first overall. The 2024 NHL All-Rookie First Team member, and finalist for the Calder Trophy, had 44 points in 71 games for the Devils last season, with a -9 rating, averaging 21:09 TOI per game.