The New Jersey Devils are going to be without one of their young blue-line cornerstones for a while. The team announced Wednesday that defenseman Luke Hughes has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), sidelining him for at least the next 10 games.
Hughes already missed Tuesday’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, meaning he’s looking at a minimum of nine more games on the shelf. The team is still evaluating the full extent of his injury, but the early signs point to a shoulder issue suffered during Monday’s game against the Calgary Flames.
If that sounds familiar, it should. Hughes missed the beginning of last season while recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained during the offseason. Now, less than a year later, he’s dealing with another setback to the same area.
This is a tough blow for both the Devils and Hughes, who’s been quietly putting together a strong sophomore campaign. Through 49 games this season, the 22-year-old has notched five goals and 21 assists-solid production for a young defenseman still finding his full stride in the NHL. His offensive instincts, skating ability, and poise with the puck have been key ingredients in New Jersey’s transition game and power play.
The Devils clearly believe in his long-term value. Back in October, they locked him up with a seven-year, $63-million contract-a major commitment that reflects just how central Hughes is to their future plans on the back end.
Now the focus shifts to recovery and how the Devils navigate his absence. LTIR gives the team some temporary cap relief, but there’s no replacing the dynamic presence Hughes brings when he’s on the ice. Whether it’s quarterbacking the power play or jumping into the rush, Hughes has become a vital piece of the Devils’ identity.
For now, it’s a waiting game. The team will continue to evaluate his shoulder and determine a more precise timeline, but one thing’s clear: New Jersey will be counting the days until No. 43 is back in the lineup.