New Jersey Devils Sign Top Prospect

The New Jersey Devils have signed top prospect Luke Hughes to a three-year, entry-level contract. It will begin this season.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the Devils and Hughes were set to ink his ELC deal and join the team for their trip to Boston. Now, the 19-year-old defenseman is officially under contract and is eligible for game action. He will not, however, be making his NHL debut against the B's, according to head coach Lindy Ruff.

Hughes was selected with the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and is viewed as having a high ceiling because of it. After posting a 39-point campaign in 41 games for the University of Michigan as a freshman last year, he had 10 goals and 48 points in 39 games this campaign. As a result, he has surely earned this ELC, and Devils fans are ecstatic to see him play. 

Hughes will wear No. 43 for the Devils. 

Nevertheless, we will need to wait and see how much of an impact the youngster can make for the Devils during this final portion of the regular season and postseason.

photo credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK