The New Jersey Devils face another challenging season marked by fan frustration and team difficulties, but star forward Jack Hughes continues to defy misconceptions about his commitment and impact. Despite numerous injuries sidelining him for more than a quarter of recent games, Hughes remains a central figure in the team’s efforts amid their ongoing struggles.
Devils’ Difficult Recent History and Hughes’ Impact
New Jersey Devils supporters have endured a string of disappointments, with the franchise managing just one playoff series win in the past 13 seasons, and the current campaign threatening to extend that drought to 14 seasons. Expectations were higher following the 2022-23 season, when the Devils won a franchise-best 52 games, largely due to Hughes’ record-breaking 99-point performance.
However, since that breakthrough season, Hughes has been sidelined for 61 of 221 possible games — roughly 27.6% — primarily due to injuries, including a recent groin strain causing him to miss the games leading up to the Olympic break. This absence sparked speculation that Hughes lacked the dedication to the team.
Criticism and Misunderstandings Around Hughes’ Availability
Former Devils player and NHL analyst Mike Rupp expressed doubts about Hughes’ willingness to play injured during a recent Tri-State Hockey Podcast episode, stating,
“If a player wants to play and is listed as day-to-day, especially with a lower body injury, and that player wants to play, he’s playing in that hockey game without a doubt,”
Rupp said.
“I’ve seen it a million times… If he went to the team and the team doctors and said, ‘My team needs me tonight, I have to play,’ [he would play]. And I’ll take that to the grave. That’s 100%. And the fact that this was the way it played out in the last few days, I think there’s trying to run some interference on that for this point. And then the fact that you’re going to the Olympics. I don’t love the message.”
Yet, this perspective overlooks the extent of the injuries Hughes has managed while remaining on the ice. Early in the season, Hughes suffered a severe hand injury from an off-ice accident during a team dinner in Chicago but continued to contribute despite his compromised condition.
Devils forward Connor Brown highlighted Hughes’ perseverance, saying,
“He played through things that a lot of guys wouldn’t play through. That’s a testament to his character,”
and added,
“If you look at his season, when he’s been healthy, he’s been one of the best players in the league.”
Performance Under Physical Duress
After his return from the hand injury, Hughes wore a sling but still managed to lead the team with 16 points in just 19 games, even while shooting at a painfully low 3.4%. NHL EDGE statistics reveal that only 20% of his hardest shots came post-injury, despite these representing 53% of his games played.
Despite low shooting percentages, Hughes influenced 40% of the team’s goals during his time on ice. A trusted Olympic teammate recently told The Athletic,
“Jack’s taken a lot of s— lately, so maybe people will remember just how good he is and how much he just wants to win, here and with the Devils.”
Such remarks challenge accusations that Hughes lacks care or effort, suggesting instead that he has been unfairly singled out as a scapegoat amid widespread fan frustration fueled by the team’s poor standing.
Jack Hughes’ Adaptability and Team Commitment
Aside from injuries, Hughes has faced criticism for alleged selfish play. However, his recent success adapting to a bottom-six role on his team in Milan disproves that notion. He told The Athletic,
“I think the thing that we’ve been talking about is just buying in, and whatever it takes,”
adding,
“If it’s fourth line, whatever it may be, I’m ready to play that role. And when you tap my shoulder, I’m gonna be ready to go.”
Matthew Tkachuk praised Hughes’ willingness to sacrifice for the team, stating,
“It’s probably different than (the role) he’s playing in New Jersey, but the sacrifice and his commitment — that’s how we’re going to win. A guy like that doing that just makes our team so much better. We’re so lucky to have him. He’s embraced it and he just continues to impress me.”
Signs of Progress and Future Outlook
Head coach Sheldon Keefe recently offered an optimistic update on Hughes’ health during his time in Milan, explaining,
“Jack looks like himself [in Milan], which is great to see. Obviously, he was dealing with the [groin] injury before leaving here and it seems he’s put that behind him. And his hand is in a great spot. In fact, I know that he was able to skate here before he left without the brace and got to that 12-week mark where he can take the break off and have more mobility and such. So it looks like that’s had a positive effect on his game.”
Though fan disappointment over Hughes’ absences is understandable, the player himself is evidently more frustrated than anyone else. Distinguishing between questioning a player’s availability and doubting their dedication remains crucial. For comparison, Sidney Crosby, a comparable star, missed 24.4% of his first 622 games due to injury, a rate not far from Hughes’ current 20.7% in 510 career games.
Elite Company Despite Challenges
In his last 274 games, Hughes amassed 327 points (130 goals and 197 assists), ranking only behind an elite group that includes Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, David Pastrnak, Kirill Kaprizov, Mitch Marner, Matthew Tkachuk, Artemi Panarin, Mikko Rantanen, and Auston Matthews. This level of production underscores Hughes’ value to the Devils despite their difficult season.
While the team’s poor performance has intensified scrutiny of Hughes, much of the criticism appears misplaced and is unlikely if the Devils were performing better overall. Without Hughes, the franchise would likely face even greater setbacks and years of rebuilding.
Reflecting his connection to the team and fans, Hughes expressed last season,
“I’m really lucky to be a Devil and we have great fans. I love how much they have my back. I look up in the stands and see a million 86 jerseys; I think this fanbase loves me and I love playing here.”
Hughes’ commitment to New Jersey is solidified by his contract extending through the 2029-30 season. His brother Luke is also signed with the team through 2031-32, and the possibility remains that other family connections could further strengthen the Devils’ core in the years to come.
According to @RussoHockey, Jack Hughes picked up a strained groin early in the NSH game which caused him to miss the last three #NJDevils games.
— Devils Insiders (@DevilsInsiders) February 14, 2026
"It's bad luck…"#NYR Panarin Trade + #Isles winning Ways + #NJDevils Jack Hughes Missing In Action.
Tri-State Hockey Podcast Episode 25 LIVE NOW!@JLazzy23 | @Rupper17 | @StapeNHL
Presented by @Novig
🎧: https://t.co/HmbshTKzKh
📺: https://t.co/kq6YPRzF6N pic.twitter.com/GewxRCbg3F— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) February 6, 2026
