Luke Hughes, born on September 9, 2003, in Manchester, New Hampshire, is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. As the youngest of the Hughes brothers—Jack and Quinn—Luke has quickly established himself as a rising star in the league. This article delves into his contract details, salary, jersey number, age, net worth, and provides insights from his HockeyDB profile.
Contract Details
On October 1, 2025, Luke Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million contract extension with the New Jersey Devils. This deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million, making him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league. The contract is set to commence in the 2025–26 season and will run through the 2031–32 season, at which point Hughes will become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 28.
Salary Breakdown
The financial structure of Hughes’ contract is as follows:
-
2025–26 to 2027–28: $8 million base salary + $1 million signing bonus per season
-
2028–29 to 2031–32: $9 million base salary per season
This structure reflects the Devils’ commitment to Hughes as a foundational piece of their defensive lineup.
Jersey Number
Luke Hughes wears the number 43 jersey for the New Jersey Devils. This number is a tribute to his roots and personal significance, and it has become synonymous with his dynamic presence on the ice.
Age and Career Timeline
-
Born: September 9, 2003 (Age: 22)
-
NHL Debut: Late in the 2022–23 season after completing his second year at the University of Michigan.
-
NHL Draft: 4th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Since his debut, Hughes has rapidly developed into a key player for the Devils, known for his exceptional skating, vision, and offensive contributions from the blue line.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Luke Hughes’ estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. This figure includes his NHL earnings, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. His substantial contract extension is expected to significantly increase his net worth in the coming years.
HockeyDB Profile and Career Stats
Luke Hughes’ HockeyDB profile provides a comprehensive overview of his career statistics:
-
NHL Regular Season Stats:
-
Games Played: 155
-
Goals: 17
-
Assists: 76
-
Points: 93
-
Plus/Minus: -34
-
Penalty Minutes: 44
-
Power Play Points: 16
-
Average Ice Time: 21:09 minutes per game
-
These statistics highlight Hughes’ offensive prowess and his integral role in the Devils’ power play unit.
Final Thoughts
Luke Hughes‘ rapid ascent in the NHL is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the strong foundation laid during his time at the University of Michigan. With his new contract, he is poised to be a cornerstone of the New Jersey Devils’ defense for years to come. Fans and analysts alike will be watching eagerly as Hughes continues to develop and make his mark in the league.
Leave a Reply