What’s the hold-up with Luke Hughes? That’s the multi-million dollar question in New Jersey right now. While Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is publicly stating his desire for a “team-friendly” deal, the reality of the situation is far more complex.
The Devils are currently sitting with just over $6.1 million in cap space, a number that falls significantly short of the rumored asking price for the young defenseman. Luke Hughes rumors are swirling that he and his camp are eyeing a deal in the neighborhood of Brock Faber’s recent eight-year, $8.5 million AAV contract with the Minnesota Wild.
A Standoff in the Making?
This is where things get interesting. An $8.5 million AAV would not only eat up all of the Devils’ available cap space and then some, but it would also position him as a higher-paid player than his own brother, Jack Hughes, who currently carries an $8 million AAV.
From an organizational perspective, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Fitzgerald’s preference is clear: a short-term bridge deal, likely in the $5.5 million range. This would provide immediate cap relief and allow the Devils to address other roster needs. However, for Hughes, a bridge deal means leaving a substantial amount of money on the table, especially with the salary cap projected to rise significantly in the coming years.
The Bigger Picture
From my perspective, the smart money is on a long-term deal getting done. While a bridge contract offers short-term flexibility, it sets up a scenario where the Devils will have to pay an even higher price when Hughes becomes a UFA. By then, he could be a Norris Trophy candidate, and his contract demands will only have skyrocketed.
The Faber contract has set a new benchmark for elite young defensemen, and Hughes has every right to see himself in that same category. The most likely outcome? A compromise. Perhaps a slightly lower AAV than Faber’s, but with a structure that benefits both the player and the team in the long run. The Devils can’t afford to alienate their rising star, and Hughes won’t want to miss training camp. Expect this to get resolved, but not without some serious back and forth.
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