The New Jersey Devils locked up 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes with an eight-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $8 million, the team announced Tuesday.

The 20-year-old's production has been slow to start his career, tallying 52 points over 117 games across his first two campaigns. However, he looked poised to explode this season, recording two goals and an assist in two contests before a dislocated shoulder forced him to miss 17 games. He's returning Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks.

The Devils now have their top two centers locked in through 2026-27, as 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier signed a seven-year extension at $7.25-million per season in 2019.

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