The New Jersey Devils made some big moves this offseason and set themselves up for sustained winning. Between the additions of Luke Evangelista, Anthony Mantha, and Evan Rodrigues, their group up front is top notch. However, the defense and goaltending still bring question marks.
The goaltending situation seems to be a wait-and-see approach despite the availability of Connor Hellebuyck, but the defense seems to be in a holding pattern. There is a ton of talent there, with Luke Hughes expected to grow and Dougie Hamilton going back to his pre-trade-rumor self.
There’s one thing hovering over the Devils defense this offseason and beyond. Quinn Hughes has not signed an extension with the Minnesota Wild.
Yeah, yeah, another Quinn Hughes article. This one is relevant because we just learned about the salary cap for next year, and the Devils could legitimately afford both Hughes and Hellebuyck if they wanted to (which we’re not sure if Mehta wants to).
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts blog, the NHL gave its first estimate for the 2028-29 salary cap at this week’s Board of Governors meeting. The rise is expected to be $14 million from next year to the year after, giving the Devils and every other team $127.5 million to spend on the roster.
Just to give fans an idea of what that means, Cutter Gauthier’s $18 million salary is 17% of the salary cap this year, a little under 16% of the cap next year, and 14% of the cap under the 2028-29 proposal.
"It’s a huge windfall for the players, after a summer where Leo Carlsson, Macklin Celebrini and Cale Makar contracts set new stratospheres.Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts
It is a new era for the NHL, and we’re all adjusting to it."
Hughes is looking to sign for a big number, whether that means playing with his brothers or not. This new salary structure gives Sunny Mehta a better opportunity to sign Hughes without strapping his roster short term or long term.
The new salary cap makes signing Quinn Hughes a much easier ask for the New Jersey Devils
Most of these contracts are looking to take a hit in the early years while setting themselves up for a great contract later in the contract. Mehta could give Quinn Hughes the absolute max, and it wouldn’t matter in three years if the cap sees this type of progression.
And Hughes would change the projections of the Devils. With the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals rapidly getting better, Hughes is the Devils best chance to stay ahead of the pack and building a true contender. Now, salary shouldn't stand in their way.
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