Rumor: New Jersey Devils Will Sign Jack Hughes To Long-Term Extension

Jack Hughes has one year remaining on his entry-level contract. According to Pierre LeBrun, the Devils want to sign the 2019 first overall pick to a long-term extension, rather than a bridge deal. He noted that New Jersey likely wants to get an extension done quickly. However, due to the fact that Hughes has yet to have that complete breakout season, it would not be surprising to wait and see how he performs this year.

LeBrun noted that the Devils did the same exact thing with fellow former first overall pick, Nico Hischier. They of course signed the youngster to a seven-year, $50,75 million contract back in 2019. He also stated that Nick Suzuki and Brady Tkachuk's contracts could be comparables as well. Suzuki signed an eight-year, $63 million contract extension earlier this month, while Tkachuk received a seven-year, $57.5 million deal.

Hughes has started off the year quite well, as he has two goals and an assist in two games. However, he was injured after a hit by Seattle Kraken's defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.

Nonetheless, it makes sense that the Devils want to keep the 20-year-old around for a long time. Don't be surprised when the kid gets a nice raise by next summer.