The New Jersey Devils have opened preliminary extension talks with forward Jack Hughes, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
Hughes is in the final year of his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent at season's end.
The Devils drafted Hughes first overall in 2019. The 20-year-old ranked second on the team with 31 points in 56 games last season, and he looks poised to breakout early in 2021-22 with two goals and an assist through three contests. However, he'll miss time with a dislocated shoulder sustained during Tuesday's win over the Seattle Kraken.
New Jersey projects to have over $33 million in cap space next season, according to Cap Friendly. Currently, the team only has 12 players under contract for 2022-23.
