Jack Hughes injury update: Devils suffer big blow as star undergoes surgery after fluke accident, return timeline raises concern

The New Jersey Devils suffered a major setback as star center Jack Hughes underwent surgery on his finger after a fluke off-ice accident. The team shared the update on Saturday, confirming that the procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Hughes is expected to miss about eight weeks and will be re-evaluated at the six-week mark. The injury comes at a difficult time, as Hughes has been the Devils’ top offensive player this season. His absence creates a noticeable hole in the lineup.

"New Jersey Devils C Jack Hughes underwent successful surgery on his finger...," The Team said in their statement on X. "The expected return to play timeline is eight weeks, and he will be re-evaluated at the six-week mark."

Jack Hughes has been excellent to start the season, recording 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games. His speed, puck control, and playmaking have driven New Jersey’s offense every night. He also leads the team in shots and continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic young centers.

This injury marks another tough break, as Hughes has missed time in recent seasons as well. He has played just 62 games in each of his previous two seasons. The Devils will now need others to step up to keep their momentum.

New Jersey has opened the season strongly with a 12-4-1 record. Their offense averages 3.35 goals per game, supported by a 25 percent power play and solid penalty killing. They have picked up wins against top teams, showing steady structure and depth.

Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and the team’s goaltending will now be asked to carry a larger load. Hischier, in particular, is expected to take on more minutes and responsibilities while Hughes recovers.

The Devils have built early confidence, but losing their best player will test their lineup. The team expects Hughes to return later in the season, but the coming weeks will be important. If New Jersey can stay competitive during his absence, they will remain well-positioned in the Metropolitan Division.

Jack Hughes contributed to Devils' OT win over Chicago

The Devils won 4-3 in overtime after a close game in Chicago, with Jack Hughes's two assists in the third period. Both helped the Devils in tying the game.

Connor Bedard opened the scoring, but Simon Nemec tied it late in the second with a backhand goal. The teams traded goals in the third, with Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty scoring for Chicago and Dawson Mercer and Nemec scoring for New Jersey.

Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said he liked how the team stayed with the game.

"Even though we were down most of the game, I loved a lot about our game today," Keefe said, via NHL. "... To get the two points feels good, and the guys get rewarded for that."

In overtime, Nemec finished his hat trick after a long pass from Jacob Markstrom.