When it comes to the salary cap for the New Jersey Devils in 2025-26, they currently have just under $14.4 million in space. That may sound like a lot on the surface, but it's low considering their team's biggest offseason priority.
Let's also remember that these numbers recently shifted due to the Erik Haula trade to the Nashville Predators. Announced on Wednesday, Haula was sent to the Predators in exchange for prospect defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. Additionally, the projected salary cap for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons will be subject to potential minor adjustments (up or down). In December, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the salary cap for the 2025-26 season was projected to be $92.4 million, a $4 million jump from this season's cap of $88 million.
But — as we wrote on Wednesday evening — the Devils did not retain any salary in the deal, clearing Haula's full $3.15 million cap hit off their books in preparation for what is shaping up to be a busy offseason for GM Tom Fitzgerald and the rest of the front office.
What does this mean for Luke Hughes' future new contract?
We all know 21-year-old defenseman Luke Hughes is a restricted free agent. His last contract was his entry-level deal, lasting three seasons with a cap hit of $925,000 per season with the New Jersey franchise. It expired at the end of the 2024-25 season.
So, for him and agent Pat Brisson, what's next?
Well, the Haula trade should give Hughes's new contract offer a boost. In fact, you could even argue that move was made for that very purpose. However, the value comes in later years. With the salary cap expected to make similar jumps to what we've seen this past season, and possibly even larger jumps, it could impact what Hughes would want on a longer-term deal.
Let's also remember the Hughes factor. Brisson is also the agent for middle brother Jack Hughes. He negotiated the Devils star's current deal, paying him $8 million over the next five years (eight total).
Signing Luke Hughes to an eight-year deal now would make complete sense. It gives his brother more motivation to re-sign when his deal is done, and also gives the eldest brother, Quinn Hughes, more incentive to make a move to New Jersey after the Canucks captain's contract (which is also under Brisson) ends in two years.
What number makes sense for Luke?
There's $14,394,167 left to play. While Luke isn't Quinn or Jack, he is a solid player with plenty of time for growth in what is already a high skillset.
According to NHL.com, he has a max skating speed of 23.58 mph (as recorded Dec. 6, 2024 against Seattle Kraken) which is the seventh fastest among defensemen this season. This most recent season he had a total of 44 points across seven goals and 37 assists.
As a result, he deserves more money for more years. A four-year deal for $7 million might be within reason.
This leaves just over $7 million for the other free agents, which include Jake Allen, Brian Dumoulin, Nathan Bastian, Curtis Lazar, Daniel Sprong, and Cody Glass.