New Jersey’s offseason hasn’t delivered the marquee scoring splash Devils fans hoped for, and the focus now shifts to restricted free agent Luke Hughes. The club reportedly envisions a six-year deal around $7 million AAV, aiming to keep Luke in the fold and keep alive the long-shot dream of pairing all three Hughes brothers in New Jersey. The negotiated path remains delicate, with Frank Seravalli noting Luke could prefer a shorter, incentive-rich contract to test free agency later.

Luke has flashed stardom early, posting 16 goals and 91 points across two NHL seasons while playing a refined defensive game that bodes well for top-pair duties. He’s more than a younger brother to Jack and Quinn, and his development is central to the Devils’ defensive arc amid a roster that also includes Šimon Nemec, who hasn’t yet hit the anticipated stride after being a 2022 top‑two pick. The Devils’ predicament is clear: don’t miss another high-end defense prospect while trying to preserve a rare three-Hughes lineup in one organization.

The article contends the Devils’ ceiling hinges on Luke’s contract clarity and the team’s ability to balance cap space with long-term development, especially as Nemec works to realize his potential and as the broader organization contemplates the feasibility of reconciling history with a realistic plan for 2025–26 and beyond.