Luke Hughes remains one of the few remaining unsigned RFA's as training camp begins across the league this week. The defenseman will have to sit out camp until a deal can be reached.
Hughes' name was not even listed on the New Jersey Devils training camp roster, leading to worries amongst Devils fans in regards to what is going on with contract talks.
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald claimed heading into the offseason that getting the Luke Hughes extension done was his "top priority" before attending to other matters. That is why it is strange an agreement has not yet been reached. But the good news is a resolution may finally be found soon.
What is the latest on Luke Hughes?
Via insider David Pagnotta, the Devils are "making progress" with respect to the Luke Hughes extension. Pagnotta believes it will be a long term deal that will keep Hughes with his brother Jack in Jersey for the foreseeable future.
This is a much needed positive development for New Jersey fans. With that being said, it is now or never for the slow negotiations to ramp up. The last thing the team needs is a holdout from Hughes that could cause him to miss the start of the season until a deal gets completed.
This report suggests that won't be likely, but the sooner this situation is dealt with the better. Luke Hughes will head into his 3rd full season with the Devils, looking to help his team take another step forward in what should be a playoff contending season for the organization.