Devils' Hughes considered week-to-week with upper-body injury
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the team announced Sunday.
Hughes suffered the ailment during the Devils' 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday. He crashed into the boards after a scoring chance midway through the first period and initially didn't miss a shift, but he was ultimately unable to return to the contest.
Jack Hughes has gone to the @NJDevils dressing room after crashing into the boards earlier in the period. pic.twitter.com/2fejhyUmx2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 4, 2023
Despite Hughes' absence, head coach Lindy Ruff said the news was positive for the Devils.
"I actually think we are fortunate; he came back, tried a shift," Ruff said Sunday, per team beat reporter Amanda Stein. "You know, we got him on his way home to be taken care of by athlete care people back in Jersey. I think we're fortunate, actually."
The 22-year-old center is currently tied with Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson for the NHL's scoring lead with 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 10 games.
The Devils have also been without Nico Hischier for the past four games. The captain has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since taking a hit to the head from Buffalo Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton on Oct. 27.
"It's tough to replace what went out (in Hischier and Hughes), but it's a big opportunity for guys who are stepping in," Ruff said.
The Devils took on the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday for their first game without Hughes. Here's how they lined up:
#NJDevils lineup v. CHI:
— Sam Kasan (@samikasan) November 5, 2023
Toffoli – Mercer – Meier
Palat – McLeod – Bratt
Willman – Haula – Lazar
Holtz – Tierney – Bastian
Siegenthaler – Hamilton
Bahl – Marino
Smith – Hughes
Vanecek starting in goal.
Entering Sunday's action, New Jersey sat in third place of the Metropolitan Division with a 6-3-1 record.