Jack Hughes Out 8 Weeks After Finger Surgery: What It Means for the Devils
New Jersey Devils fans are facing some tough news this week as star center Jack Hughes is expected to miss around eight weeks following successful finger surgery. The injury came in a surprising turn of events—a freak accident at a team dinner in Chicago last Thursday, according to league sources. The surgery was performed in New York by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss, and Hughes is set to be re-evaluated six weeks from now. However, the earliest we can realistically expect to see him back on the ice is in about eight weeks.
For Hughes, this is another setback in what has been a challenging couple of years with injuries. Last season, his campaign was cut short due to shoulder surgery, making this latest absence particularly frustrating. Still, there’s no denying the impact he has already made this season. Before the injury, Hughes was in tremendous form, racking up 20 points in just 17 games and leading the Devils in Net Rating, according to analytics expert Dom Luszczyszyn. His play has been crucial in keeping New Jersey at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, where they currently hold a 12-4-1 record.
Also Read:- Ehlers Returns to Face Jets in Highly Anticipated Showdown
- Celtics Aim for Big Win Against Nets in NBA Cup Showdown
The team will have to make some adjustments in Hughes’ absence. Nico Hischier is likely to slide into the top-line center role, while Dawson Mercer could move from wing to take over as second-line center. If Hughes is indeed out for the full eight weeks, he will miss roughly 27 games, but the timeline suggests he could still be healthy in time for Team USA’s Olympic roster, where he is expected to be a key contributor.
The Devils are already dealing with multiple injuries, including Brett Pesce, Johnathan Kovacevic, Connor Brown, and Evgenii Dadonov, all on injured reserve. With Hughes sidelined, team president Tom Fitzgerald may need to consider whether making a move on the trade market is necessary or if the team can weather the storm with the current roster.
Despite the setback, the Devils have shown resilience this season, and the hope is that Hughes will return strong after his recovery. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates these next two months, balancing lineup changes with maintaining their spot atop the Eastern Conference. One thing is clear: while Jack Hughes may be out temporarily, his influence on the team this season remains unmistakable.
Read More:
0 Comments