New Jersey Devils Face Injury Blow as Star Forward Jack Hughes Ruled Out Against Ottawa Senators
The New Jersey Devils received concerning injury news on Saturday afternoon, just hours before their crucial matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Star forward Jack Hughes has been officially ruled out of the game after sustaining a lower-body injury during Thursday night's contest against the Nashville Predators.
Coach Keefe Confirms Day-to-Day Status with Positive Outlook
Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed reporters on Saturday, confirming that Hughes is currently listed as day-to-day with the lower-body issue and will not be available for the Senators game. The 24-year-old forward left Thursday's game in the first period after experiencing discomfort in his lower body, prompting immediate medical evaluation.
"Evaluation yesterday confirmed good news, which is that it's not anything serious," Keefe stated optimistically. "I think we'll see him on the ice soon." The team conducted thorough assessments on Friday to determine the injury's severity, with results indicating a relatively minor issue despite the immediate absence.
Olympic Timeline Adds Significance to Recovery Process
The recovery timeline carries particular importance for both the Devils organization and Hughes personally. The talented forward is scheduled to compete at the upcoming Winter Olympics alongside his brother Quinn as part of Team USA. With Olympic competition beginning on February 11, Hughes has a clear window for recovery before the international tournament commences.
Additional Uncertainty with Captain Nico Hischier's Availability
Compounding the Devils' challenges, team captain Nico Hischier is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's contest due to illness. Hischier did not participate in the team's morning skate, leaving his availability uncertain as game time approaches. This potential absence creates additional lineup complications for a team already missing one of its offensive catalysts.
Hughes' Injury-Plagued Season Continues
This latest setback continues what has been a frustrating, injury-interrupted season for the Orlando native. Earlier in the campaign, Hughes missed five weeks after cutting his right thumb at a team dinner, an incident that required surgical intervention and significant recovery time.
Despite these physical challenges, Hughes has managed to contribute 12 goals and 36 points through 36 games this season. His offensive production remains vital for a Devils team fighting for playoff positioning in the intensely competitive Metropolitan Division race.
Playoff Implications in Tight Eastern Conference
The Devils enter Saturday's action with a 28-24-2 record, currently occupying sixth place in the Metropolitan Division. With the Olympic break approaching in early February and the NHL trade deadline looming on March 6, every game carries heightened importance. The team faces increased pressure to secure valuable points as they battle for a postseason berth in the tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff picture.
While the immediate absence of Jack Hughes presents a significant challenge, the day-to-day designation and positive medical evaluation provide optimism for a relatively brief recovery period. The Devils will need to navigate this short-term adversity as they continue their push toward playoff qualification.
