Luke Hughes is poised to be a central figure for the New Jersey Devils in the 2025-26 NHL season. After signing a 7-year, $63 million contract with the Devils, Hughes is set to play a pivotal role on the team's blue line.

2024-25 Season Recap:

In the 2024-25 season, Hughes posted a solid 44 points (7 goals, 37 assists) in 71 regular-season games. His season was cut short in the playoffs after sustaining a shoulder injury in Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He underwent surgery but is expected to be fully recovered for training camp.

Offensive Prowess:

Hughes is known for his offensive capabilities and elite skating. In the 2024-25 season, Hughes quarterbacked the Devils' power play, which ranked second in the league with a 28.2% success rate. His ability to transition the puck smoothly across all three zones creates scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Defensive Development:

Last season, Hughes demonstrated significant improvement in his defensive game. He was on the ice for 33.3% fewer goals against compared to the previous season and 31.7% fewer high-danger goals against. His elite recovery speed and long reach allow him to break up plays effectively.

Skating Ability:

Hughes's speed is a major asset. His top skating speed of 23.58 mph ranks in the 97th percentile in the league. He recorded a whopping 16 speed bursts over 22 mph, compared to the average NHL defenseman who recorded only 1.1.

Olympic Aspirations:

Hughes participated in the U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Michigan. His strong finish to the 2024-25 season, where he tied for fourth among NHL defensemen with 20 points in his final 22 games, has boosted his chances of making the U.S. Olympic team.

Expectations for 2025-26:

Entering his third full NHL season, expectations are high for Hughes. He is expected to be fully healthy after recovering from shoulder surgery. Some predict that Hughes will emerge as a top-tier defenseman, taking a massive leap forward and approaching a point-per-game pace while improving defensively.

Contract and Cap Situation:

Hughes's new 7-year, $63 million contract carries a $9 million cap hit. With Hughes's extension secured, the Devils are working to manage their salary cap, possibly through strategic trades.

Areas for Growth:

While Hughes has shown great promise, there are areas where he can continue to develop. Improving puck security and minimizing turnovers will be crucial. Continued development in his all-around defensive game will also be key to his growth into a top-pairing defenseman.

Overall, Luke Hughes is a dynamic and promising defenseman with the potential to become a star in the NHL. His combination of offensive skill, skating ability, and improving defensive play make him a key player for the New Jersey Devils in the 2025-26 season and beyond.