Injury Update: Shoulder Injury Sidelines Devils Defenseman Luke Hughes for 6-8 Weeks
The New Jersey Devils will be without defenseman Luke Hughes for the next six to eight weeks with a shoulder injury, the team announced Thursday.
Hughes, 21, won\'t require surgery for the injury to his left shoulder, sustained earlier this month during offseason training. He is currently in New Jersey receiving treatment and physical therapy under the guidance of the team.
The Devils will kick off their preseason on Sept. 22 against the New York Islanders, followed by their regular season opener on Oct. 4-5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague.
If Hughes is out for eight weeks, he will likely return to the lineup in early November, potentially missing up to 15 games.
In the 2023-24 season, Hughes recorded 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) in 82 games, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team and finishing third in the Calder Trophy voting.
Drafted fourth overall in 2021, Hughes made his NHL debut in 2022-23 and tallied one goal and one assist in two games.
He will be featured on the cover of the EA Sports NHL 25 video game, set to be released next month, alongside his brothers Quinn (Vancouver Canucks) and Jack (Devils).