Luke Hughes resumed practice with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday following an upper-body injury sustained on January 19th during a game against the Calgary Flames. The 22-year-old defenseman had missed eight games prior to the NHL‘s Olympic break. Meanwhile, his teammates Jack Hughes and Simon Nemec continue to compete in the semifinals of the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Details on Hughes’ Injury Recovery and Timeline
The Devils placed Hughes on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) retroactive to January 19th. NHL rules require players on LTIR to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 calendar days before returning, with the calendar continuing to count during the Olympic pause. Hughes has already fulfilled the 24-day wait but must still sit out two more games. This means his earliest possible return to game action is February 28th when New Jersey faces the St. Louis Blues.
Team Outlook as Hughes Prepares to Rejoin
The Devils have 25 games left this season, and Hughes is eligible for 23 of them. New Jersey currently trails the playoff cutoff by 11 points, lagging behind both the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. According to analytical site Moneypuck, the Devils only have a 2.4% chance to earn a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, signaling a difficult road ahead even with Hughes’ impending return.
Coach Comments on Hughes’ Progress
“It’s encouraging to see him [on the ice],”
said head coach Sheldon Keefe after practice.
“He was exciting to get back with the group. Luke’s put in some extra work over this break. He got some extra work in and the hope is that he can ramp up as we as we ramp up.”
?Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach
Significance of Hughes’ Return for the Devils
Luke Hughes’ return marks a crucial moment for a Devils team struggling to secure a playoff spot. As a young defenseman with promising talent, his presence on the ice could bolster New Jersey’s defense during the critical stretch run. However, with limited games remaining and a steep playoff deficit, the team faces significant challenges despite his comeback.
