(Newark) The New Jersey Devils have reached an agreement with center Jack Hughes, who has granted an eight-season contract extension, worth a total of US $ 64 million.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald broke the news Tuesday afternoon, hours before the Devils and Hughes face the San Jose Sharks.
Hughes was making a comeback after missing 17 games with a shoulder injury.
“This is a fantastic day for the organization and for our team, and for Jack and his family,” Fitzgerald said shortly before Tuesday’s game. ” Everyone wins. ”
The first player selected in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes will be paid $ 9 million next season and $ 7 million in the final two years of the pact, under the structure of the deal.
“I am so excited for myself and my family to sign this contract,” said Hughes.
“I love being in New Jersey and I love playing New Jersey. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else, and we’re really building something special. I believe in what we are doing here, and we have a very big opportunity to be successful for a long time. This contract shows that this team is very committed to me and I am also really dedicated to this organization. ”
David Blitzer, a senior partner with the Devils, said the team has full confidence in Hughes.
“We all know what Jack means to the team on and off the ice. He is an incredible player and a fantastic person, ”said Blitzer.
“His future is incredibly bright and he will be a mainstay of our dealership for many years to come. ”
The 20-year-old Hughes is yet to rack up many points, which could be explained by the fact that he played with weak teams. Fitzgerald added that Hughes’ teammates should admire and emulate the way he plays.
“He is a very competitive individual. He is not afraid to go where there is traffic. ”
Hughes has had two goals and a two-game assist so far this season. Adding those two games to his first two NHL campaigns, Hughes has amassed 55 points, including 20 goals, in 119 games.
Hughes scored 31 of those points in 2020-21, including 11 goals in 56 games. He finished second on the team in points last year and placed first with the Devils with 142 shots.
He was the only forward to take part in all 56 Devils games in 2020-21.
Hughes represented the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2018 and 2019.
“He’s a great player and we think he can become one of the elite players in the league,” added Fitzgerald. “As it grows and matures, its potential will become limitless. ”
Luke, his younger brother, was the Devils’ first pick – fourth overall – in the 2021 NHL draft. He currently plays for the University of Michigan.
In addition, Quinn Hughes, their older brother, plays on the blue line with the Vancouver Canucks.