Star Defenseman Luke Hughes Faces Recovery Time

It was announced on September 12, 2024, that Luke Hughes, the highly-touted New Jersey Devils defenseman, is slated for a recovery period of six to eight weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained during offseason training. This injury, which was diagnosed by the medical team of the Devils, fortunately does not necessitate surgery but will still require an extended recovery period.

Impact on Preseason and Early Season Games

According to the projected recovery timeline, Hughes is expected to miss out on the Devils’ seven preseason games and their season-opening matches against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia, on October 4 and 5. The earliest anticipated return for Hughes would be in the week commencing October 20, by which time the Devils would have already contested eight regular-season games.

Significance of Hughes’ Absence

The temporary loss of Hughes is a significant blow to the Devils, particularly given his standout rookie season that solidified his position as one of the shining stars of the NHL. Hughes’ performance in his debut season, where he netted six goals and 47 points and was one of only five Devils to participate in all 82 games, earned him a third-place finish in the Calder Trophy voting, trailing only behind Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard and Minnesota Wild’s Brock Faber.

Rookie Achievements and Future Expectations

Hughes and Faber were the sole rookie defensemen who participated in all 82 games of the past season and ranked second among rookies in points, with Bedard outpacing all first-year players with 61 points. Once Hughes is given the all-clear to return to the ice, he is expected to play a pivotal role in the Devils’ pursuit of a playoffs position.

Hughes’ Promising Career Path

Hughes, who was selected fourth in the 2021 NHL Draft, honed his skills at the University of Michigan for two years, an institution that also nurtured his brother Quinn Hughes, the current captain of the Vancouver Canucks and reigning Norris Trophy awardee. After leaving Michigan, Hughes inked his entry-level contract with the Devils, teaming up with his brother and alternate captain, Jack Hughes, for the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Devils’ Recent Playoff History

The Devils enjoyed a successful 2022-23 season, clinching 52 victories and progressing to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. However, they endured a mixed fortune, winning a first-round triumph against the New York Rangers before succumbing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round. The Devils’ inconsistency in the following season led to the departure of head coach Lindy Ruff, followed by the interim appointment of Travis Green, and ultimately the recruitment of former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe in May.