Luke Hughes Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve Following Shoulder Injury
The New Jersey Devils have announced a significant roster development, placing defenseman Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) retroactive to Monday. This move comes after the 22-year-old sustained a shoulder injury during Monday's 2-1 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Hughes suffered the upper-body injury after colliding with Calgary forward Justin Kirkland along the boards during Monday's contest. He subsequently missed Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers as he began rehabilitation. Following consultations with multiple specialists and his family, Hughes has opted for a rehabilitation approach rather than surgery at this time.
The LTIR designation means Hughes must sit out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. The Devils anticipate his absence will extend through the Olympic break, with the team closely monitoring his recovery progress to establish a definitive return timeline.
Impact on the Devils' Lineup
Hughes' absence represents a substantial setback for New Jersey's defensive corps. As a cornerstone of the team's blue line and a rising star in the NHL, his playmaking abilities and defensive presence are crucial components of the Devils' system.
This season, the 2021 fourth-overall NHL Draft pick has been exceptional, leading the Devils in ice time per game at 23:04 minutes and topping all team defensemen with 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) through 49 games. His career statistics include 119 points across 204 regular-season appearances, plus two assists in four Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Team Response and Replacement Strategy
To address the defensive void, the Devils have recalled defenseman Colton White from their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. White will join the roster ahead of Friday's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, providing additional depth to the defensive unit.
While White brings experience and stability, replacing Hughes' unique combination of offensive creativity and defensive reliability presents a considerable challenge for the coaching staff. Hughes' ability to control play at both ends of the ice makes his absence particularly difficult to manage during this critical stretch of the season.
Season Context and Long-Term Implications
The Devils currently hold a 26-22-2 record, positioning them sixth in the competitive Metropolitan Division. Hughes' injury comes at a pivotal moment as the team navigates the latter portion of the regular season and pursues playoff positioning.
Adding to the significance of this development, Hughes recently signed a seven-year, $63 million contract extension, underscoring his central role in the organization's long-term vision. His rehabilitation process will be meticulously managed, balancing the immediate competitive impact with ensuring his complete recovery for future seasons.
The Devils now face the dual challenge of maintaining their competitive edge without one of their most dynamic players while supporting Hughes through his recovery journey. The organization remains committed to both short-term competitiveness and the long-term health of their defensive cornerstone.
