Devils D Luke Hughes (shoulder) out 6-8 weeks

Field Level Media|published: Thu 12th September, 13:47 2024

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at New Jersey Devils

Apr 9, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) warms up before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

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 need surgery for the injury to his left shoulder, sustained earlier this month in offseason training. He is in New Jersey for treatment and physical therapy under the team's guidance.

The Devils play their preseason opener on Sept. 22 against the New York Islanders. They begin the regular season on Oct. 4-5 with two games against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague.

An eight-week absence would put Hughes back in the lineup in early November, potentially missing as many as 15 games.

Hughes posted 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) in 82 games in 2023-24, making the All-Rookie Team and finishing third in the voting for the Calder Trophy.

Drafted No. 4 overall in 2021, Hughes made his NHL debut in 2022-23 and tallied one goal and one assist in two games.

He shares the cover of the EA Sports NHL 25 video game, released next month, with his brothers Quinn (Vancouver Canucks) and Jack (Devils).

--Field Level Media