HENDERSON, Nevada — New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes remains optimistic that his younger brother Luke will finalize a contract extension with the team, even as the defenseman’s restricted free agency continues to create uncertainty among fans.
Speaking during a Tuesday interview on the 32 Thoughts podcast with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas in Henderson, Nevada, Jack dismissed concerns about the ongoing negotiations.
“The deal will eventually come together,” Jack stated confidently about Luke’s situation. “He genuinely enjoys being part of the New Jersey organization.”
With training camp approaching rapidly, questions persist about whether the contract standoff could impact Luke’s availability. However, Jack maintains his brother’s commitment to the Devils remains strong.
The conversation drew parallels to the Tkachuk brothers’ public involvement in contract negotiations, particularly Matthew’s vocal support during Brady’s pivotal RFA talks in September 2021. Unlike divisional rivals Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, Jack and Luke share the unique advantage of being teammates.
“I’ll admit I’m being diplomatic here, which is expected,” Jack acknowledged with a smile. “But unlike Matthew’s situation, Luke and I are on the same roster. I’m invested in seeing this resolved. He definitely wants to remain in New Jersey.”
Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald echoes this sentiment while continuing to work through his primary offseason priority.
“Everything I’m hearing indicates Luke’s long-term commitment to being a Devil,” Fitzgerald confirmed.
According to PuckPedia.com, Fitzgerald has approximately $6.1 million in available cap space to work with.
Reports from NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky suggest Luke favors a five-year deal that would lead him directly to unrestricted free agency at 26 — positioning him for a potentially lucrative second contract.
This timeline would create an intriguing scenario where both Hughes brothers could enter free agency simultaneously in summer 2030.
The Devils organization would likely prefer either a shorter bridge deal spanning three years or a maximum eight-year commitment.
When asked about coordinating contract expiration dates, Jack confirmed the appeal while questioning the speculation’s accuracy.
“Absolutely, that would be ideal,” Jack responded. “Though I saw that report too — seems like educated guesswork. Anyone discussing hockey could assume the Hughes brothers would want synchronized contracts. Reality involves numerous factors: compensation, term length, and constantly shifting market values.”
Jack emphasized his brother’s independence in decision-making: “A five-year term isn’t necessarily crucial. Luke makes his own choices. My priority is seeing him secure his financial future.”
Whether Luke signs an eight-year extension or accepts a three-year bridge deal, Jack sees potential benefits in either scenario.
The shorter term could align perfectly with eldest brother Quinn’s situation. Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027, eligible to re-sign with Vancouver starting July 1st.
This timing fuels ongoing speculation about all three Hughes brothers potentially uniting on one NHL roster.
“I’m comfortable being transparent about this,” Jack told reporters Monday in Las Vegas. “I’d absolutely love the opportunity to play alongside Quinn eventually. Whether that happens in New Jersey or elsewhere, at some point I want to share the ice with him.”
The possibility has generated significant discussion, particularly in Vancouver’s hockey circles.
This speculation intensified when Canucks president Jim Rutherford publicly addressed the scenario in April, surprising many including Jack.
“Everyone was caught off-guard by those comments,” Jack reflected during his podcast appearance, grinning. “I’m fortunate to be the brother with contract security right now.”
Jack’s eight-year deal provides stability while his brothers navigate their respective situations.
Despite describing Rutherford as “direct and honest,” Jack believes Quinn remains focused on Vancouver’s immediate success.
“Ultimately, he’ll either stay or explore other options,” Jack explained. “He still enjoys playing there. Quinn isn’t creating any drama. His sole focus is returning to Vancouver, performing at an elite level, and reaching the playoffs.”
The Hughes family dynamic continues capturing NHL attention as fans wonder whether hockey’s most talented sibling trio will eventually unite under one organization’s banner.
