The New Jersey Devils will be without a pair of key forwards as Jack Hughes and Timo Meier both have injuries. For Hughes, he was injured in last night’s wild game against the Chicago Blackhawks. This is disappointing, as he will miss tonight’s matchup against his brother Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks. Meanwhile, Timo Meier has been placed on injured reserve, which will be retroactive back to December 30, 2023. One thing for New Jersey Devils fans to be excited about is the NHL debut of a Utica Comet player as a result of the injuries. 22-year-old Graeme Clarke will suit up in tonight’s game.
#NEWS: Jack Hughes is out tonight against Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/8sjBHYttT1
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 6, 2024
The New Jersey Devils Have Injuries to Jack Hughes and Timo Meier
Jack Hughes has missed time already this year, appearing in 32 games thus far. This game will be the sixth of the season that Hughes will miss. Despite this fact he has missed some time, he has 15 goals and 30 assists, and still leads the club with 45 points. When Hughes is in the lineup, he has been electric. He has an incredible 1.41 PPG thus far. This is up from last year when he finished at 1.27. 2022-23 marked his career-high in points with 99 and would have hit the magical 100 mark if not for missing four games. Regardless, Hughes has proven that he is one of the most elite scorers in the NHL. The Devils will struggle without his presence in the lineup.
The Timo Meier Injury
Timo Meier has played in 28 games this year for the Devils. He came over last season at the trade deadline from the San Jose Sharks. Moreover, he has not been able to repeat last year’s clip, when he managed to tally 40 goals. So far, he has just nine goals and 15 points through 28 games played. The Devils would love him to turn it around, but first, he needs to be healthy. It appears it is some sort of ‘mid-body’ injury that has him on the IR.
What Do These Injuries Mean for the New Jersey Devils Going Forward
For the Devils, their lineup is more dangerous and in general, better with Hughes, especially in it. They hope that the injury is nothing significant. Additionally, Meier does provide depth to their potent offensive attack. Lately, including games with Meier out of the lineup, the Devils have been playing well. They are winners of five of their last six. However, with both Hughes and Meier out of the lineup, and a player making his debut in, tonight will be a chore. Not to mention the fact the Vancouver Canucks are the top team in the Pacific Division.
Main photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
