The New Jersey Devils resurgent offseason continued this week by officially locking up Jack Hughes, their prized top overall pick.
On Friday, the New Jersey Devils announced their signing of Jack Hughes, the top overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft.
A release on the team website revealed that Hughes signed a maximum, three-year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $925,000. The max level contract is also laden with bonuses.
The Devils released video of Hughes signing the contract with general manager Ray Shero.
It’s official now. Jack Hughes is a New Jersey Devil. pic.twitter.com/T2bez6WsUX
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 12, 2019
The addition of Hughes, obtained after winning the NHL Draft Lottery, has been the headline of a hopeful offseason. Hughes became the consensus top pick after a prolific amateur career.
He set several records with the United States’ National Development Team, including the all-time scoring mark with 190 points (60 goals, 130 assists). Hughes also set a record for points at the IIHF’s Under-18 World Championship with 32. That record was previously held by Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.
Hughes showcased what’s potentially to come for fans gathered at the Devils’ open prospect scrimmage at RWJBarnabad Hockey House this weekend. He scored a goal in the 4-on-4 portion that delighted a fanbase starved for hockey heroics. The Devils have missed out on the NHL postseason in six of the past seven seasons.
In addition to Hughes, the Devils have also added All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban in a trade with Nashville and ex-Philadelphia winger Wayne Simmonds through free agency. New Jersey opens their season on October 4 in Newark against Winnipeg.
