Injury Sidelines Luke Hughes for Rest of Devils’ Road Trip
Luke Hughes suffered a shoulder injury during a recent game against the Calgary Flames. The 22-year-old defenseman left the contest midway through the second period and did not return to the ice.
Incident Details
The injury occurred while Hughes was pursuing the puck in Calgary’s defensive zone. Flames forward Justin Kirkland tugged on his jersey, leading Hughes to pull up sharply in pain and head straight to the bench. He played a total of just 9 minutes and 31 seconds before exiting the game.
Initial Diagnosis
After the match, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that early indications suggest that Hughes may have dislocated his shoulder. New Jersey Devils’ head coach, Sheldon Keefe, mentioned that further evaluations are necessary to determine the full extent of the injury.
Upcoming Schedule for the Devils
The Devils are currently on a four-game road trip. Following this incident, they will travel to Edmonton, Vancouver, and Seattle. Their return home is scheduled for January 27.
Player Statistics
- Total Games Played: 48
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 21
- Ice Time Average: 23:20 minutes
- Plus/Minus Rating: -8
Previous Shoulder Issues
This is not the first time Luke Hughes has encountered shoulder problems. He underwent surgery at the end of the 2024-25 season. Additionally, an offseason training injury in 2024 had already affected his season start.
The situation remains fluid as the Devils await further updates on Hughes’ condition. Fans and teammates alike hope for a quick recovery, as Hughes has proven to be a valuable asset to the team.
