The New Jersey Devils recently announced that defenseman Luke Hughes has suffered a left-shoulder injury and will be out for six to eight weeks. Fortunately, Hughes’ injury does not require surgery, and he is expected to return in early November, missing around a month of the regular season. Last season, the 21-year-old Hughes scored nine goals and tallied 38 assists while playing in every game for the Devils, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie team for the season 2023-2024. Hughes’ brother Jack, who also plays for the Devils, underwent shoulder surgery on his right shoulder in April but is expected to be ready for the upcoming season. Despite only playing in 62 games last season, Jack Hughes recorded an impressive 74 points, scoring 27 goals and tallying 47 assists.
All three Hughes brothers, including Quinn, were featured on the cover of the EA Sports NHL 25 video game. Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks defenseman, is coming off a standout season where he won the league’s James Norris Memorial Trophy for being the NHL’s best defenseman. Quinn scored 95 points in 82 games, with 17 goals and 75 assists. With Jack and Luke expected to return to full health, the brothers will aim to lead the Devils back to the playoffs after a disappointing season where they went 38-39-5. The Associated Press contributed to this report, and fans can follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X or subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for more updates.
Hughes’ injury comes ahead of the Devils’ regular-season opener in Europe, where they will face former coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres for two games in Prague on October 4-5. Missing Hughes for the first month of the regular season will be a significant blow for the Devils, who will need to rely on other defensemen to step up in his absence. Despite the setback, the team is hopeful that Hughes will make a full recovery and be back on the ice in early November to contribute to the team’s success. The Devils will be looking to start the season strong and build momentum towards a successful playoff push.
The Hughes brothers have quickly become a dynamic trio in the NHL, with each sibling making significant contributions to their respective teams. Jack and Quinn have already established themselves as top players in the league, with Jack showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills, while Quinn has shown his prowess as a shutdown defenseman. Luke’s injury is a setback for the Devils, but with Jack expected to be ready for the start of the season and Quinn coming off a career-best year, the team has reason to be optimistic about their chances. The Hughes brothers will be looking to continue their success and help lead their teams to playoff berths in the upcoming season.
The loss of Luke Hughes will undoubtedly impact the Devils’ defensive depth, but the team has faith in its other players to step up and fill the void during his absence. With the regular season fast approaching, the Devils will need to quickly adjust to the loss of Hughes and find ways to compensate for his absence on the blue line. The team’s success will rely on the collective effort of all players, as they look to overcome this early-season challenge and start the season on a positive note. The Devils will be counting on their experienced players and emerging talent to step up and ensure that they stay competitive in a tough Metropolitan Division.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and Luke Hughes’ shoulder injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional athletes endure in their pursuit of success. The Devils will need to manage Hughes’ recovery carefully and ensure that he is fully healed before returning to the ice to prevent any further setbacks. As Hughes works towards his return, the team will need to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset as they navigate the challenges of the early season. With Jack Hughes expected to be ready for the start of the season and Quinn coming off a stellar year, the Devils have reason to be optimistic about their chances of returning to playoff contention this season.
