Luke Hughes’ contract stalemate with the New Jersey Devils heads toward training camp as GM Tom Fitzgerald seeks a deal that fits both today’s roster needs and future cap realities. The piece notes rising caps shaping a buyer’s market and internal limits, while Dawson Mercer and Jeremy Swayman’s training camp absence adds leverage dynamics. Calgary’s Zary, Backlund, and Andersson; plus Canucks' Quinn Hughes, Rangers, Canadiens and Leafs are cited as comp benchmarks in a broader NHL cap landscape.