Jack Hughes out 8 weeks after reportedly cutting finger at team dinner

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes is expected to miss eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his finger, the team announced Saturday.

Hughes reportedly slipped and cut his hand during a team dinner Thursday. The incident was described as a "freak accident" in which Hughes was cut by glass, sources told Emily Kaplan of ESPN.

The 24-year-old will be re-evaluated at the six-week mark of his recovery.

Hughes would be sidelined for approximately 27 games under the timeline provided by the club.

The injury also puts his status for the 2026 Olympics in doubt. Hughes was expected to be a front-runner to earn a spot on Team USA, but rosters must be submitted by Dec. 31, and the Devils' timeline means Hughes' projected return to game action is early January.

The former No. 1 overall pick was off to an excellent start this season with 10 goals and 10 assists through 17 games.