The New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff has announced that their young star centre, Jack Hughes, is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury. This could potentially be a huge blow for the team. Anytime an injury is listed as week-to-week, there is much uncertainty about the foreseeable future.
NJ head coach Lindy Ruff announces Jack Hughes out week-to-week with an upper-body injury.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 9, 2023
Devil Centre Jack Hughes Listed as Week-to-Week
Hughes is having a big season for his New Jersey Devils. He is showing why he was selected first overall by the Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. So far in 50 games played, he has netted 35 goals and added 32 assists for 67 points. This is ahead of last season’s projection, where he compiled 26 goals, 30 assists for 56 points over 49 games. Moreover, Hughes is getting it done in other ways as well. In over 20 minutes of ice time a game, he has an amazing 16.0 CF Rel%. Overall Jack Hughes is their offensive leader, and by a wide margin with a 16-point lead over Jesper Bratt.
What This Means for the Devils
The Jack Hughes injury comes at a time when he is playing great hockey. Now, it is not all doom and gloom for the Devils. Yes, Hughes is the offensive leader. However, the team is red hot as of late. In their last 11 games, the team is 9-1-1. They have a lot of depth, and players can slot throughout the lineup. Hughes plays with Bratt and Erik Haula quite often. The line is at 69.3 xGOALS% according to Moneypuck.com. Despite this, Hughes is not relied on heavily as a key face-off man. Haula on the line has a 56.2 FOW%. Therefore, the Devils should be able to fill the void in some ways. Furthermore, when you consider the team’s 33-13-4 record, they do have a bit of cushion in the standings. Assuming the Devils get Hughes back in time for the playoffs, fans can rest easy that this will not have a big impact on their season’s outcome.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
