Luke Hughes` Contract Situation
In Henderson, Nevada, Jack Hughes shared his strong belief that his younger brother, Luke, will continue to play alongside him for the New Jersey Devils. This comes amid increasing fan anxiety regarding the promising defenseman`s unsigned contract status.
“It will eventually be resolved,” Jack stated to Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on Tuesday during a taping of the 32 Thoughts podcast in Henderson, Nevada.
Despite training camp being only days away, a significant negotiating difference still separates the team from the restricted free agent. Does this impasse worry him, potentially preventing a deal?
“I don`t believe so. He enjoys his time playing in New Jersey.”
Jack recalled how Matthew Tkachuk openly engaged in his younger brother Brady`s crucial restricted free agent negotiations in September 2021. Matthew had famously declared,
“It`s a family business. Nobody wants to deal with the Tkachuks in this, but we do it by committee.”
While the Tkachuk siblings play for rival teams, Jack and Luke`s shared team status provides an even stronger incentive for them to be deeply involved in each other`s career paths.
Jack confessed with a smile, “I`m offering very diplomatic responses, as expected.” He added, “Even more than Matthew, I`m literally on Luke`s team. Therefore, I want to see this resolved. But, yes, many factors are at play, and I know he wishes to remain in New Jersey.”
Jack`s statement is consistent with the views of Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, who is actively working to finalize this priority item on his off-season agenda.
Fitzgerald stated, “I perceive nothing other than Luke`s desire to be a Devil for an extended period.”
According to PuckPedia.com, Fitzgerald`s team has an estimated $6.1 million in available cap space.
Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com reported that Luke`s preference is a five-year contract, which would lead him directly to unrestricted free agency at age 26, presumably setting him up for another substantial contract. This contract length would mean both Jack and Luke would become unrestricted free agents simultaneously in the summer of 2030.
The Devils, quite naturally, would prefer either a three-year bridge deal or an eight-year long-term commitment for Hughes.
Do Jack and Luke wish for their contracts to expire at the same time?
“Yes, definitely,” Jack confirmed. “I saw that report as well, but I suspect it`s largely speculative. Where did that information originate?”
Jack elaborated, “Naturally, from an external perspective, any casual hockey conversation might suggest, `I`m sure the Hughes brothers want their contracts to align.` Certainly. However, numerous factors come into play: the financial terms, the contract length, and the ever-fluctuating money.”
“I don`t believe a five-year deal for Luke is a deal-breaker. Luke is an independent individual. My primary concern is for Luke to secure his financial future for life,” Jack emphasized. Whether it`s a lucrative eight-year extension or a three-year agreement, either outcome is acceptable.
Quinn Hughes and the Future
From Jack`s perspective, another three years could perfectly align with his eldest brother Quinn`s situation. Quinn, the Vancouver Canucks` captain, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and can re-sign with Vancouver starting July 1.
Until then, speculation will persist that all three Hughes brothers might eventually play together for the same NHL team.
Speaking to reporters in Las Vegas on Monday, Jack openly admitted, “Honestly, I`m not hesitant to say it. Yes, I would love for Quinn to – eventually, I`d love to play with him. Whether that occurs in New Jersey or at some future point, I definitely want to play alongside Quinn at some stage.”
“However, that remains a circulating question. They constantly discuss it in Vancouver, you know? But, yes, I genuinely desire to play with Quinn at some point,” he reiterated.
This idea has long been an unspoken topic, until Canucks president Jim Rutherford publicly acknowledged it in April.
“I believe everyone was somewhat surprised,” Jack remarked during his 32 Thoughts interview, with a slight smile. Being the only Hughes brother without contract issues, Jack appears content to observe from a distance. “After all, I`m the one with the eight-year contract, you know?” he pointed out.
While Jack characterizes Rutherford as direct and honest, he insists that Quinn is entirely focused on leading the Canucks back to the playoffs.
“Ultimately, he will either stay or depart,” Jack commented, adding, “He still enjoys being there.”
“Quinn isn`t the one generating any speculation. Quinn`s sole objective is to play elite hockey in Vancouver and guide the team into the playoffs.”