The New Jersey Devils are making waves at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with most of their players shining in Milan. Jack Hughes is particularly standing out as a key player for Team USA, alongside his brother Quinn Hughes. While there was hope for all three Hughes brothers to compete together, Luke Hughes faced some setbacks.
Luke has been struggling through a tough NHL season, and to compound matters, he injured his shoulder, sidelining him since January 19th. Initially, it seemed this injury might end his season, ruling him out even as a replacement for the Olympic squad.
However, in a surprising turn of events, reports began to suggest that Luke might return post-Olympics. Defying expectations, he made a quicker-than-anticipated comeback, hitting the ice on Wednesday.
The Devils shared the exciting news with a tweet: "Would you Luke who’s back on the ice? 👀"
Luke Hughes joined the Devils' practice session with teammates not participating in the Olympics. His return is a promising development, allowing him to address any lingering issues from his shoulder injury and regain his form.
Reflecting on last season, when Luke missed the 4 Nations Face-Off, he bounced back with a strong finish, showcasing his talent beyond the family name. Unfortunately, an injury during the playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes was a major setback.
The Devils, who desperately needed a break from hockey, are still facing an uphill battle, trailing by 11 points in the playoff race. Yet, Luke's return could spark lineup changes or potential trades, offering a glimmer of hope for a team eager to turn things around.