The New Jersey Devils opened up training camp on Thursday, as they look to bounce back from what was a disappointing end to the 2024-25 season. The players are in Newark ready to prep for the upcoming campaign. However, there is one notable absence, and that's defenseman Luke Hughes.
Hughes is a restricted free agent after his entry-level contract expired. Since he is a restricted free agent, he can negotiate exclusively with the Devils. But considering Hughes isn't even at training camp, Devils fans became wary of the status of a new deal.
Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald talked to reporters at the start of camp, and was asked about the status of negotiations with Hughes on a new contract. Fitzgerald essentially gave a non-answer, stressing that not coming up with a new contract is "part of the process," while saying that they and Hughes are "disappointed" he's not at camp.
Tom Fitzgerald on Luke Hughes contract: "This is part of the process. We're grinding through this together. Respecting each others opinions. But this is part of the process. We're dissapointed he's not here, he's dissapointed he's not here."#NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 18, 2025
Luke Hughes'absence at training camp shows contract talks aren't progressing
This certainly isn't ideal for the Devils, as Hughes is coming off a successful season, scoring seven goals and dishing out 37 assists in 71 games played. Hughes is on the team's second defensive pairing behind Brendan Dillon, so he's playing a pivotal role in the team's future plans. Not having him at the start of camp isn't great news whatsoever.
Hughes is not eligible for an offer sheet, because he is a "10.2.c" player. Simply put, the Devils used his first year in 2023, and he played less than 10 games that season. Considering that he played in just two games, Hughes is not eligible for an offer sheet. So, no team can try to sign him to an offer sheet.
TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the team and Hughes were "grinding away" on a new contract. But based on the comments from Fitzgerald today, it doesn't seem like an agreement is imminent.
The more that time passes by without the two sides reach an agreement, the more that the Devils fans are going to panic.
More from Pucks and Pitchforks: