New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald held a press conference on Monday to discuss multiple topics before everyone goes away for the holidays. There weren't a ton of huge things to come out of it. We learned that Fitzgerald is really happy with the defense and the team's compete level under Sheldon Keefe. It was a pretty light news conference, which can be expected after a few wins in a row. However, there was one bit of news that stood out.
Fitzgerald plans to negotiate a new contract with Luke Hughes starting in January. Many expected the Devils to already have a new deal in place for Hughes, who's three-year entry-level contract ends after this season, but it sounds like Fitzgerald focused on more urgent needs first.
Hughes is going to get a surprising contract when he signs on the dotted line. We talked about this over the summer, but don't be surprised if Hughes gets a deal in the $9 million range. With the salary cap expected to make a huge jump this summer, players are going to expect more on their contracts. With that salary expectation, the Devils will expect him to sign for eight years.
The Luke Hughes contract negotiation should go smoothly with the New Jersey Devils unless he asks for one specific thing.
If Luke Hughes is willing to sign for eight years, this deal will move along quickly. However, one thing might get things in the muk.
Hughes might go into the negotiation asking for something less than eight years. Fitzgerald will wait until Luke Hughes agrees to the full term on the contract. He understands where Luke Hughes could find himself in the future, and that's a very expensive player. Bridge contracts work for players with question marks. Luke Hughes doesn't really have any for a player his age.
On top of that, there would be a very scary possibility that Luke Hughes asks to sign for five years. On paper, it sounds fine. Many other players sign for five years to follow the rises and falls in the salary cap. However, Jack Hughes' deal ends in 2030. That would give the Hughes brothers an opportunity to hit free agency together.
Tom Fitzgerald has to avoid this possibility at all costs. He cannot let the Hughes brothers hit free agency together. He should wait all summer before giving that the time of day. Luke Hughes should sign for eight years, and the Devils should keep their two most talented players together for as long as possible.