Devils C Jack Hughes expected to miss weeks, not months

Field Level Media|published: Tue 9th January, 13:08 2024

Nov 17, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (86) warms up before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. credits: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

New Jersey Devils All-Star center Jack Hughes' injury absence is expected to last weeks, not months, coach Lindy Ruff said Tuesday.

Hughes sustained an upper-body injury during the Devils' 4-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday and did not play in Saturday's loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

Hughes, 22, is tied with Jesper Bratt for the team lead with 45 points through 32 games. He is tied with Bratt for the team lead with 30 assists and ranks second to Tyler Toffoli (16) with 15 goals.

Drafted No. 1 overall in 2019, Hughes has recorded 252 points (102 goals, 150 assists) in 276 games since making his NHL debut in October 2019. Hughes was named an All-Star last week for the third straight season.

—Field Level Media