Clearly not. We're over 10 days later, and the budding young defenseman still isn't signed. Hughes was the No. 4 overall pick in 2021 and is at the end of his three-year entry-level deal. He played 82 games with the Devils last season, recording nine goals, 38 assists, and 47 points. He was also a finalist for the 2023-24 Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL rookie of the year.
Contract negotiations were supposed to begin following the July 4th holiday weekend as a result of his current contract with New Jersey — a three-year, entry-level deal signed on April 8, 2023, officially ending on July 1st.