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New Jersey Devils sign first overall pick Jack Hughes to maximum three-year, entry-level contract

By Ian Oland

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July 12, 2019 11:23 am

A day after the New York Rangers signed second overall pick Kaapo Kakko, the New Jersey Devils announced they have come to terms with Jack Hughes – the first overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Like Kakko, Hughes will make the maximum possible under his three-year, entry-level contract.

The 18-year-old center is currently participating in Devils’ Development Camp and signed the contract accompanied by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

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“You dream to play in the NHL and a contract is another step towards that goal,” Hughes said. “It was, obviously, a pretty special moment.”

According to Cap Friendly, Hughes will make $3.775 annually, making his three-year contract worth $11.325 million in total.

Hughes will wear number 86 with the Devils.

If you’re a closet Devils fan and are interested in purchasing his sweater too, you can buy it in the NHL store here.

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NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils today signed the first-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Jack Hughes, to the maximum three-year, entry-level contract for salary ($925,000 AAV) and performance bonuses. Hughes signed the contract in the Devils’ Executive Offices, accompanied by Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

The 5’11, 170-lb. center was selected first overall by New Jersey at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, the second the time the Devils had the number one slot in team history. In 2018-19 with the National Development Team (USNTDP), Hughes led the team with 34 goals and 78 assists for 112 points in 50 regular-season games, setting the record for most points in NTDP history with 190 in two seasons (60 goals, 130 assists). He represented the United States in multiple tournaments during the 2018-19 season, playing in the U20 World Junior Championships in December, recording four assists in four games played.

Hughes also played in the U18 World Junior Championships, winning the Silver Medal. During the tournament, he passed Alexander Ovechkin for most career points at the IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship, recording 32 points in 14 games. Hughes also played in the IIHF World Championships at the end of May, registering three assists in seven games played and becoming the youngest player ever to suit up for Team USA at the senior world championship.

Born May 14, 2001 in Orlando, Florida, Hughes has won multiple awards during his hockey career, winning USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year during the 2017-18 season. He played his youth hockey in Toronto with the Toronto Marlboros in the GTMMHL. Hughes’ older brother, Quinn currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks and younger brother, Luke will begin his first season with the United States National Development Program. Hughes is currently attending the Devils Development Camp this week in Newark.

Headline photo: New Jersey Devils