The New Jersey Devils are apparently expected to re-sign RFA defenseman Luke Hughes to a long-term contract any day now, with training camp looming, but at what cost?
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun on TSN's latest edition of "Insider Trading," the Devils and Hughes's camp are still plugging along with the process here, but the expectation is for a long-term deal.
And, perhaps most importantly, LeBrun thinks that could eventually come at a cost elsewhere in the Devils' lineup before the end of the season.
"Both sides are still grinding away. That's the word both sides used on this date to describe the negotiations for the RFA of the New Jersey Devils. Put up a lot of power play points the last two years, 41 in total, and he's looking to be a big part of their future," LeBrun said of Hughes and the current situation.
"What's interesting is that, if and when he signs, and we expect that to be a long-term deal, what does it mean for the future of Dougie Hamilton? I mean, how many power-play quarterbacks do you need, as we see in the modern NHL? Doug Hamilton has three years left on his deal at $9 million a year; he's got a modified no-trade, 10 teams he can be traded to. I'm not saying that's an imminent conversation, but something to file away perhaps closer to the March 6 trade deadline."
The elephant in the room here, of course, is what constitutes a long-term contract. A five-year deal would align Luke with brother Jack Hughes for free agency in 2030 and create the chance for a potential doomsday scenario in New Jersey should they leave the Devils together.
Can the New Jersey Devils afford both Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes?
Anything beyond the five years should be considered a bonus and a benefit to the Devils' future endeavors, especially if they are to add oldest brother Quinn Hughes at some point in the next two years.
And, speaking of Quinn, that's one way the Devils could end up trading Hamilton before his contract expires, especially if the Vancouver Canucks still aspire to be competitive.
As an aside, it should be noted, too, that LeBrun was the one who asked Jack about the idea of playing with Quinn in the future, pouring further gasoline on that fire.
Luke, obviously, holds the all the cards as the Devils player with the imminent contract situation, but LeBrun seems to be nicely plugged into the dealings at the moment, which certainly makes for good news if his latest report holds up.