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 could miss time with an injury suffered 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.

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