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The New Jersey Devils announced on Thursday that defenseman Luke Hughes is expected to take six to eight weeks to recuperate from a shoulder injury he sustained earlier this month.
Hughes encountered a left shoulder injury during his offseason training. Following an assessment by the Devils’ medical team, it was concluded that he would not require surgery, but that recovery could extend to over six weeks.
This timeline indicates that Hughes will be absent from the Devils’ seven preseason games as well as their opening matches on October 4 and October 5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. Should he recover in time, the earliest Hughes could return would be the week of October 20, meaning the Devils will have already played eight regular-season games by then.
Even a short absence will be a blow for the team, as Hughes used his rookie season to establish himself as one of the league’s most promising young talents. Last season, he scored six goals and accumulated 47 points, while also being one of five Devils players to participate in all 82 games.
His performance as a rookie earned him a third-place finish in the Calder Trophy voting, trailing only the eventual winner, Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.
Notably, Hughes and Faber were the only rookie defensemen to appear in all 82 games last season. They also ranked second among all rookies in points, with Bedard leading first-year players with 61 points.
Once he receives medical clearance, Hughes is anticipated to play a vital role in the Devils’ strategy aimed at returning to the playoffs. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, he underwent two years of development at the University of Michigan, where his brother, Quinn Hughes, also played. Quinn is currently the captain of the Vancouver Canucks and the reigning Norris Trophy holder for the NHL’s top defenseman.
After two productive seasons at Michigan, Hughes signed his entry-level contract with the Devils, which enabled him to join his brother and Devils alternate captain, Jack, during the team’s playoff campaign in the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.
During the 2022-23 season, the Devils achieved 52 wins and made the playoffs for the first time in four years. They began the postseason with a first-round series victory over their rivals, the New York Rangers, in seven games, but fell in the second round to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The previous season saw the Devils struggle with consistency, leading to the dismissal of head coach Lindy Ruff. They subsequently appointed interim coach Travis Green before officially hiring former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe in late May.
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New Jersey Devils’ Luke Hughes Out 6-8 Weeks with Shoulder Injury as Season Approaches
The New Jersey Devils are facing a challenging start to their upcoming NHL season as defenseman Luke Hughes is set to miss the opening games due to a shoulder injury. This news has sent ripples through the Devils’ fanbase and the wider hockey community, as Hughes is seen as a vital part of the team’s defensive lineup.
Injury Details
Luke Hughes sustained the injury to his left shoulder during training camp, and medical assessments have indicated that he will be sidelined for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. This timeline raises concerns about his availability for the early part of the season, which begins next month.
- Injury Type: Shoulder injury
- Expected Recovery Time: 6-8 weeks
- Impact: Miss the start of the NHL season
Impact on the New Jersey Devils
The absence of Luke Hughes will impact the New Jersey Devils significantly. The team has been banking on his skills and on-ice intelligence to bolster their defense. Without him, several aspects of the team’s strategy may need to be adjusted.
Defensive Lineup Adjustments
With Hughes out, the Devils will have to reconfigure their defensive pairings. Here are some potential short-term solutions:
- Utilizing Veteran Presence: The team may rely more heavily on veteran defensemen to fill the void.
- Increased Ice Time for Others: Younger players may see increased responsibilities to cover Hughes’ absence.
- Trade Considerations: Depending on the severity of Hughes’ injury, the Devils may explore trades to acquire temporary replacements.
Player Development and Future Opportunities
For younger players on the team, this could be an opportunity to showcase their skills. Increased ice time for players like Simon Nemec or Kevin Bahl could be beneficial for their development and for the team’s long-term prospects.
| Player | Potential Role | Previous Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Nemec | Increased Offensive Duties | 1 goal, 3 assists in last season |
| Kevin Bahl | Defensive Anchor | 2 goals, 1 assist in last season |
Background on Luke Hughes
Luke Hughes was drafted 4th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Draft. Known for his exceptional skating ability and offensive instincts, Hughes made an immediate impact in his rookie season. His blend of speed, size, and skill makes him a foundational piece for the Devils’ blue line.
Career Achievements
- Drafted: 4th Overall in 2021 NHL Draft
- Rookie Season Performance: 10 goals and 20 assists in 2022-2023
- AHL Experience: Developed in the NCAA and AHL before stepping into the NHL
Benefits of Early Season Recovery
While the injury is unfortunate, there are potential benefits to Luke Hughes taking the time to recover properly:
- Avoiding Long-term Issues: Proper recovery can prevent chronic issues that could affect his career.
- Enhanced Performance Post-Recovery: A fully healed shoulder may result in better performance through the season.
- Building Team Chemistry: The Devils’ younger defensemen will gain experience, which could enhance team cohesion long-term.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The news of Hughes’ injury has elicited a mix of concern and support from the New Jersey Devils fanbase. Many fans took to social media to express their hopes for a speedy recovery while reassuring the team that they will continue to support the Devils during this challenging time.
Social Media Sentiment
- Optimism for Recovery: Fans are rallying around Hughes, encouraging him to take his time healing.
- Support for the Team: The general consensus is that the team will adapt and overcome this setback.
Looking Ahead: The Devils’ Season
The New Jersey Devils are gearing up for a competitive season in the NHL. Despite the setback with Luke Hughes, the team has several strengths to leverage:
Key Players to Watch
- Nikita Gusev: A strong offensive player who can fill scoring gaps.
- P.K. Subban: A veteran presence that can guide younger players during Hughes’ absence.
- Jack Hughes: The team’s star center will need to step up and lead the offense.
Season Goals
Despite the challenges posed by Hughes’ injury, the Devils have clear goals for the season:
- Establish team chemistry with new line combinations.
- Develop younger players through increased responsibilities.
- Maintain a competitive edge in the Metropolitan Division.
Conclusion
As the New Jersey Devils prepare for a season without Luke Hughes for the initial weeks, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to this crucial injury. With the right adjustments and support from the community, the Devils can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and success.
Stay tuned for further updates on Luke Hughes’ recovery progress and its implications for the upcoming season.
