Analysis of NHL Player Contracts
In a recent analysis, Dom Luszczyszyn, an NHL expert at The Athletic—part of The New York Times family—evaluated the value of player contracts within the league, revealing some surprising rankings. Among the notable mentions were Leon Draisaitl, whose eight-year deal averages $14 million per season, earning him the sixth spot, and Brandon Hagel, whose seven-year contract valued at $6.5 million AAV ranked second.
Jack Hughes: The Premier Contract
However, the highlight of Luszczyszyn’s assessment is none other than Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils forward, who boasts what is considered the premier contract in the NHL.
“Hughes, who signed an eight-year contract worth $64 million in 2022, stands out with a projected surplus value of $38 million, a figure that emphasizes the deal’s exceptional worth.”
This contract, which was finalized early by Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald, has already proven to be a game-changer for the team. As Hughes enters the fourth year of this agreement, it will extend until the end of the 2029-30 season, when he will have the potential to enter unrestricted free agency at just 29 years old.
Hughes’s Career Progression
Drafted first overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Hughes started his professional career on a three-year entry-level contract valued at $2.78 million. Since those early days, he has quickly risen as the face of the franchise, captivating fans with his on-ice brilliance and off-ice charisma. Fitzgerald’s commitment to Hughes was always clear, securing his talents at a cap-hit of only $8 million per year, a deal that is viewed as a significant bargain within the league given Hughes’s elite performance and leadership skills.
To date, the 24-year-old athlete has participated in 368 NHL games, accumulating impressive stats that include 141 goals and 210 assists, summing up to a remarkable total of 351 points. Last season alone, Hughes recorded 70 points in just 62 games before being sidelined due to injury issues. Although he has faced setbacks, including shoulder surgeries that have interrupted his play in two separate seasons, his progression remains on an upward trajectory.
Future Outlook
Luszczyszyn emphasizes that despite the injury history, Hughes’s current contract offers unparalleled value, making the Devils a strong contender in the realm of NHL contracts. With five years still left on Hughes’s deal, it is clear that his contributions are far from reaching their peak.
As New Jersey continues to embrace a resurgence in the league, the spotlight may soon shift to Luke Hughes, Jack’s younger brother, who is anticipated to ink a new deal with the organization shortly. There is a sense of optimism amongst fans that, following Jack’s precedent, Luke’s new contract will reflect similar value and longevity in its structure.
