5 NHL Contract Comparables That Could Seal Luke Hughes’ New Jersey Devils Deal
Imagine the New Jersey Devils stuck in a frustrating limbo as the off season winds down. They’ve tinkered with their roster, but let’s be real, it’s not enough to make them genuine contenders. The main issue: top six talents were scarce this off season, and they’re still haggling over a deal for Luke Hughes. It’s a messy situation, and it’s time to dive into the details. But here’s where it gets controversial. The Devils might be playing a risky game by not securing Hughes yet. Let’s explore some contract comparables that could help seal the deal. On July 2nd, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald dropped a truth bomb. Hughes’s contract is the off season’s top priority. Fans and the front office are on edge, waiting for this deal to drop. But why the delay? Hughes’s agent Pat Prisson is pushing for a higher annual average value AAV and the Devils need solid data to justify their offer. Let’s look at some comparable contracts that could sway the negotiations. First up, Brock Faber. The Minnesota Wild signed him to an 8-year $68 million deal, averaging $8.5 million per season. Faber had a stellar rookie season, but he’s not Luke Hughes. The Wild are all about cost certainty, especially with Krill Capriovv’s upcoming extension. They want to know exactly what they’re spending. This deal is the ideal scenario for the Devils. An 8-year contract for under $9 million would keep their salary cap in check. But here’s the kicker. Other defensemen in Hughes’s tier have similar deals. Jake Sanderson, for instance, signed an 8-year deal worth $64.4 $4 million. It’s a viable option, but will it be enough to convince Hughes? Now, let’s talk about Owen Power. He inked a 7-year, 58.54 million deal, averaging 8.35 million per season. One less year can make a big difference. Power, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, same as Hughes, will be a free agent at 29. Signing a 7-year deal would allow Hughes to negotiate his next contract before turning 30. Optimizing his earnings. Who knows what the salary cap will look like in 2032. Maybe Hughes could double his salary. But if he wastes an extra year making $8 million, he could seriously dent his career earnings. The salary cap is rising, and we’ve seen this in other sports. When you think you’ve hit the ceiling, you’re just getting started. A 7-year deal makes sense for both sides. Next, Noah Dobson. The Montreal Canadians flipped some assets and signed Dobson to an 8-year, $76 million deal, averaging $9.5 million per season. Dobson has more experience than Hughes, but this could be the number Bristen is eyeing. And honestly, we’d be okay with that. If the Devils want to get this done, $9.5 million for 8 years is the price of doing business. With the rising salary cap, this deal would give Hughes about 10% of the current cap space. It’s a steep price, but it could pay off big time. Now, let’s talk about bridge deals. Dylan Samberg signed a three-year, $17.25 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets, averaging $5.75 million per season. It’s not a perfect comparable, but it’s worth considering. A three-year deal would keep Hughes as a restricted free agent, allowing the Devils to negotiate a massive deal later. But here’s the thing, bridge deals don’t usually work out. It feels like the wrong move for the Devils. They know Hughes is a long-term part of their core, but maybe Hughes is pushing for a short-term deal, and this is where they’ll end up. Finally, Thomas Harley. The Dallas Stars signed him to a 2-year, $8 million deal, averaging $4 million per season. It’s a short-term fix, but it solves immediate issues. Imagine securing Hughes for $4 million per season. The Devils would have money to spend this off season and next. But here’s the catch. A one-year deal opens the door for an offer sheet from another team. Two years would be better, coinciding with Quinn Hughes’s free agency. It’s a risky move, but it could pay off. So, what do you think? Should the Devils go for a long-term deal or a short-term fix? Will Hughes settle for less, or is he holding out for a bigger payday? The Devils are in a tough spot, and it’s anyone’s guess how this will play out, but one thing’s for sure, they need to secure Hughes’s future with the team. And this is the part most people miss. The Devils have the pieces to be contenders, but they need to make the right moves. And that starts with locking down Luke Hughes. So, what’s your take? Let’s hear it in the comments. Agree or disagree, we want to know your thoughts on this messy situation.
Explore the top 5 NHL defenseman contracts that serve as benchmarks for Luke Hughes’ upcoming contract negotiations with the New Jersey Devils. Learn about contracts like Brock Faber’s $8.5M cap hit over 8 years, Owen Power’s 7-year deal, and Noah Dobson’s $9.5M annual salary, plus shorter bridge deals. Understand the cap space implications, term lengths, and why these comparables matter for Devils fans eager to see Hughes signed.
Keywords: Luke Hughes contract, New Jersey Devils, NHL contract comparables, Brock Faber contract, Owen Power deal, Noah Dobson salary, NHL salary cap, NHL RFA, Luke Hughes negotiation.
