Bad news came out of New Jersey's camp on Thursday morning as they announced their star 21-year-old defender Luke Hughes suffered a left-shoulder injury during offseason training and is expected to miss the next 6-to-8 weeks as he recovers. The sophomore defenseman is expected to return between October 24th and November 7th and will play a key role in the Devils' back end. In 2023-24, he had nine goals, 47 points, 135 SOG, 28 PIMs and a -25 plus/minus in 82 games played.

Hughes is battling an illness but, despite not participating in the morning skate on Wednesday, will suit up for the Devils' contest against the Montreal Canadiens in the evening. Hughes has been held without a point in three straight games but was on a roll before that, scoring seven points (3G / 4A) in a six-game span.

Hughes is battling an illness but, despite not participating in the morning skate on Wednesday, is expected to suit up for the Devils' contest against the Montreal Canadiens in the evening. Hughes has been held without a point in three straight games but was on a roll before that, scoring seven points (3G / 4A) in a six-game span.

Hughes had 10 goals, 38 assists, 26 PIMs and a +24 plus/minus through 39 games played with the University of Michigan (NCAA) this season and will make his NHL debut Tuesday vs. Buffalo. The 19-year-old was the Devils' 2021 first-overall pick (4th overall).