In a significant blow to the New Jersey Devils' playoff aspirations, the team will have to navigate the remainder of the season without star player Jack Hughes. The forward is set for shoulder surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the season. This development places additional pressure on the Devils, who are already grappling with a five-point deficit from a coveted playoff spot.
Season-Ending Surgery
Hughes is slated for surgery this Wednesday in Colorado, an event that marks a premature end to his ongoing campaign. Despite the team's struggles, Hughes has been a bright spot for the Devils, demonstrating his skill and impact on the ice. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, as he not only leads the team in goals but also ranks second in both assists and points.
Impact Player
The 21-year-old center has showcased his talent throughout the season, averaging 1.19 points per game, which places him 13th among all players in the NHL. Over 62 games this season, Hughes has contributed significantly to the Devils' offense, culminating in his second-highest points total of his career. Despite previous setbacks due to injuries that saw him miss games earlier in the season, his performance remained undiminished when active.
Team Position and Playoff Aspirations
The Devils, positioned seventh in the Metropolitan Division, find themselves in a precarious situation as they eye a wild-card spot, currently held by the Detroit Red Wings. The loss of Hughes adds a layer of complexity to their playoff chase, prompting the team to find ways to compensate for his absence. His contributions are not easily replaced, given his pivotal role in the team's offense and overall dynamics.
Recovery and Expectations
As Hughes prepares for his surgical procedure, the focus shifts to his recovery and return to the ice. With a full recovery expected by the time next season's training camp commences, the team and its fans can look forward to his return. Hughes has already established himself as a foundational piece of the Devils' roster, amassing 114 goals and 167 assists in 306 regular season games. Moreover, his playoff experience last year, where he scored six goals and tallied 11 points, underscored his value to the team in high-stakes situations.
Collaborative Decision for Surgery
The decision to opt for surgery was reached following consultations between Hughes, his family, his representatives, the Devils’ athlete care staff, and Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow, the team's chief medical officer. This collective approach underscores the prioritization of Hughes's health and long-term prospects. The statement from the Devils highlighted the thoughtful consideration behind this choice, aimed at ensuring Hughes returns to the game at his optimum level without risking further injury.
“In recent conversations with Jack, his family, and representatives, the Devils’ athlete care staff, and Devils’ chief medical officer Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow, it was determined that Jack should be held out of game action for the rest of this season and proceed with shoulder surgery," elaborated the Devils. This decision, though tough, is seen as a necessary step to safeguard Hughes's career.
Looking Forward
As the New Jersey Devils confront the challenge of advancing in the playoff race without one of their key players, the team and its fans can find solace in Hughes's anticipated recovery and return. The focus now shifts to how the team will adapt and who will step up in Hughes's absence. Meanwhile, Hughes's journey to recovery will be closely monitored, with expectations high for his comeback next season. The young star's resilience and talent will be eagerly awaited as the Devils look to reassert themselves as contenders in the fiercely competitive NHL landscape.
The situation, while less than ideal, presents an opportunity for others in the roster to rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Hughes. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Devils to see how they navigate this setback and strive towards securing a playoff berth. Regardless of the outcome, Hughes’s recovery and health will remain a paramount concern, with the hope that he returns to the ice stronger and ready to contribute to the team’s success in the forthcoming season.