Luke Hughes is bullish on playing for the New Jersey Devils long-term with one of his older brothers, Jack. But might their other brother join them someday?
The youngest of the three brothers spoke about that possibility when meeting with reporters Thursday, one day after signing a new seven-year, $63 million contract.
“I love New Jersey; (Jack Hughes) loves New Jersey,” Luke Hughes said. “It’s a second home and obviously we love what the organization is doing and where we’re going.
“Hopefully, I play here the rest of my career. It’s a great place to play. I love the fans and (I) have a great relationship with (general manager Tom Fitzgerald).”
The 22-year-old defenseman was also asked about oldest brother Quinn Hughes, a two-time All-Star and captain of the Vancouver Canucks.
Luke Hughes was cautious with his answer, since saying he’d like Quinn Hughes to join him and Jack on the Devils someday would qualify as tampering.
“Of course … I think the three of us would all love to play together someday, but whether it’ll happen or not, who knows?” he said. “I know Quinn loves Vancouver and he’s the captain there. We love being here.
“You never know, so never say never.”
Quinn Hughes’ deal with the Canucks runs through 2026-27, and he would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
Quinn Hughes, who turns 26 this month, had 16 goals and 60 assists while being limited to 68 games in 2024-25 for the Canucks. He won the Norris Trophy in 2023-24 for the top defenseman in the league.
All three brothers were lottery picks, with Jack Hughes going first overall to New Jersey in the 2019 draft. Jack Hughes, 24, is the Devils’ top-line center and is already locked in with the Devils until 2030.
The Devils added Luke Hughes into the fold by drafting him fourth overall in 2021. In 155 games across two-plus NHL seasons, he has amassed 17 goals and 76 assists.
Luke Hughes had shoulder surgery after an injury limited him to one playoff game last spring.
“My body feels great, and my shoulders are strong,” he said. “I’ve been skating five days a week, bag skating, and I just got to acclimate myself to the team and to playing real hockey. I don’t think it should be long. It’s just good to be back to work.”
