Jack Hughes, Devils Reportedly Agree to 8-Year, $64M Contract Extension

The New Jersey Devils and star forward Jack Hughes are reportedly close to finalizing an eight-year, $64 million contract extension, per Corey Masisak of The Athletic. 

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN added more details on the pending extension:

Hughes, 20, has played in just three games for the Devils this season after separating his shoulder in October, registering two goals and an assist in two games. He's returning to the team on Tuesday evening. 

"He's a very important piece on our team—his puck possession, his playmaking ability, the speed he adds to the team," head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters. "You know, we've missed that part. Just great to have him back. He's excited. We're all excited to have him back."

Hughes, the top overall pick in the 2019 draft, posted 18 goals and 34 assists in his first two seasons across 117 games. Hardly shabby production for a teenager, though not the sort of return that some of the other young stars in the NHL offered early in their careers. 

Connor McDavid, for instance, notched 46 goals and 102 assists in his first two campaigns (127 games).

Granted, McDavid is a unique and special talent. But Jack Eichel (48 goals, 65 assists in 142 games), Auston Matthews (74 goals, 58 assists in 144 games), Patrik Laine (80 goals, 54 assists in 155 games) and Nico Hischier (37 goals, 62 assists in 151 games) are other recent examples of top-five picks who hit the ground running in their first two seasons.

That doesn't mean that Hughes doesn't have another level in him. His potential is obviously immense. But to live up to his current extension, he'll need to take that next step. 

The Devils are paying a premium on the bet that he'll do so. They clearly believe Hughes is going to be a star.