Jack Hughes will be sidelined for up to two months after undergoing surgery on his finger. This non-hockey injury, described by the New Jersey Devils, means the team will be without their star center for a while. Hughes will be reevaluated in about six weeks.
The Devils’ first game without him will be against the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Coach Sheldon Keefe commented on the situation, saying, “It was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone. It’s unfortunate, but we’re focusing on getting Jack back.” Hughes had been performing well this season, leading the Devils with 10 goals and 20 points in just 17 games.
This isn’t the first time Hughes has faced injury issues; he missed the last stretch of last season and the playoffs due to shoulder surgery. If he can return around the eight-week mark, he might be fit enough to join Team USA in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February. Keefe empathized with Hughes, adding, “It’s tough for him and tough for us. But we will adapt and push forward.”
In addition to Hughes, the Devils will also be without forward Cody Glass, who has a week-to-week upper-body injury. “Losing Jack and Cody is tough,” Keefe said. “But we’ve been in similar situations before and managed to stay competitive.”
The Devils currently hold a strong record of 12 wins and 4 losses, placing them atop the Metropolitan Division. However, they are also missing several other key players due to injuries. Defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Brett Pesce, as well as forwards Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov, are also unavailable right now. Fortunately, both Hamilton and Brown are expected back at practice soon.
Recent data shows that teams facing multiple injuries often struggle but can find resilience in adversity. In a 2023 survey, nearly 70% of NHL coaches noted that adapting strategies during injury crises is crucial for maintaining team morale and performance. This resilience is key for the Devils as they navigate this challenging period.
As the team rallies together, fans are hopeful for a speedy recovery for Hughes and an overall boost in performance. Keep an eye on how they adapt in the coming weeks!
