Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald Shares Bold Vision for Hughes Brothers’ Future
The New Jersey Devils enter the 2025-26 season with major expectations, and general manager Tom Fitzgerald believes it could mark the beginning of something special for brothers Jack and Luke Hughes as they cement their legacies in New Jersey.
In an interview with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Fitzgerald discussed the importance of finalizing Luke Hughes’ new contract and shared his optimism for the Devils’ direction.
After last season’s early playoff exit to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Devils have rebounded impressively — riding a five-game winning streak and sitting atop the Metropolitan Division alongside Carolina and two other teams. Last year, they also started strong at 24-11-3 before injuries, particularly to Jack Hughes, derailed their momentum.
Fitzgerald Dodges Quinn Hughes Speculation
Amid constant speculation about uniting all three Hughes brothers — Jack, Luke, and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes — Fitzgerald avoided fueling the rumors.
He declined to comment on the idea of pursuing Quinn, even after Jack publicly said he’d “love to play” with his brother this offseason.
“When it comes to players from other teams, that’s off-limits,” Fitzgerald told The Athletic. “I can’t control what others say, including Jack, and honestly, that’s probably a natural thing for him to express.”
Fitzgerald related to the sentiment, noting that he once wished he could have played alongside his cousin, Keith Tkachuk, calling it something that “would have been really special for our family.” Still, he emphasized that his focus remains squarely on the two Hughes brothers already in New Jersey.
“I’m just focused on our two,” Fitzgerald said. “They keep improving every single day, and that’s what truly matters.”
Fitzgerald: “We Want Jack Hughes to Retire a Devil”
Fitzgerald also shed light on the negotiations that led to Luke Hughes’ long-term extension, noting that the process naturally took time.
“People wonder why these deals don’t happen in July,” Fitzgerald explained. “It’s because there’s no real urgency then — a proposal in July turns into a counter in August, another in September, and suddenly training camp arrives and things move quickly. But we always knew we’d get Luke signed long-term. He and his family love New Jersey. He’s a huge part of our team’s present and future.”
Luke ultimately agreed to a seven-year, $63 million contract — a deal Fitzgerald said brings him peace of mind.
Now, with Luke’s deal done, Fitzgerald is already looking ahead to Jack’s future. Though Jack won’t be eligible for an extension until July 2029, Fitzgerald made it clear that keeping him in New Jersey long-term is a top priority.
“Jack still has a few years left on his current contract,” Fitzgerald said. “Our goal is for these two to build their legacies here. That’s what we want — for them to be lifelong Devils.”
Jack Hughes continues to etch his name in franchise history. His hat trick against Toronto this week tied him with Stéphane Richer for 16th on the Devils’ all-time goals list (147), an impressive feat for a player still seven months shy of turning 25.
Looking ahead, Fitzgerald couldn’t hide his enthusiasm about extending Jack when the time comes.
“Jack will be next,” he said. “We’d love nothing more than for him to sign another long-term deal and retire as a Devil.”
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