Devils star Jack Hughes out for season following hard crash into boards

A Devastating Blow: Jack Hughes’ Season Cut Short by Injury

The world of hockey was left reeling over the weekend as New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The incident occurred late in the third period when Hughes collided with teammate Jack Eichel, a fellow USA national team member, and crashed hard into the boards. The devastating injury not only shocked fans but also sent ripples through the Devils’ organization, which had been banking on Hughes’ stellar performance this season. With Hughes now sidelined until next season, the team faces a tough road ahead as they battle to secure a playoff spot in an increasingly competitive Metropolitan Division.

The Injury and Its Aftermath: A Cruel Twist of Fate

The injury occurred during a pivotal moment in the game when the Devils were pushing to score. Nico Hischier’s shot rebounded, and Hughes, in an attempt to corral the puck, collided with Eichel. The impact sent Hughes tumbling into the boards, his right arm dangling limply as he skated off the ice in clear pain. The immediate concern was evident, and Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe later described the moment as "tough to see," especially given the similarity to a penalty Hughes had been called for earlier in the game. The gravity of the situation became clear when the Devils announced on Wednesday that Hughes had undergone surgery in Colorado, effectively ending his season.

A Star Lost: The Impact on the Devils’ Season

The loss of Jack Hughes is a massive blow to the New Jersey Devils, who have been struggling to maintain their earlier season dominance. At one point, the team was leading the Metropolitan Division, but since Christmas, they have posted a lackluster 10-13-3 record. With Hughes out, the Devils will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by their star forward. Hughes, who was the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, had been having a standout season with 27 goals and 40 assists before the injury. His absence not only affects the team’s scoring depth but also dampens their hopes of making a deep playoff run.

Playoff Hopes and Challenges: Can the Devils Hold On?

Despite the setback, the Devils are still in a relatively secure position in the playoff race. With 19 games remaining, they are on track to secure a postseason berth, which would mark their second playoff appearance in three seasons—a significant improvement from their previous streak of just one playoff appearance between 2013 and 2022. However, the road ahead will not be easy. Teams below them in the standings are closing in, and the Devils will need to find a way to muster the offensive firepower and defensive solidity they had earlier in the season. The absence of Hughes, coupled with another injury to key player Dougie Hamilton, only adds to the challenge.

A Star’s Struggle: Jack Hughes’ Injury History and Resilience

This is not the first time Jack Hughes has faced a significant injury setback. Last season, he also missed time due to health issues, limiting him to just 62 games—a number he was on pace to replicate this season before the latest injury. Despite these challenges, Hughes has consistently shown his ability to perform at an elite level when healthy. His 27 goals and 40 assists this season are a testament to his skill and dedication. The hope now is that he will be able to recover fully and return to the ice next season with the same level of brilliance that has made him a cornerstone of the Devils’ franchise.

Emotion and Resilience: The Human Side of the Game

The emotional toll of Hughes’ injury was evident not only in his own reaction but also in the response of those around him. His brother, Luke Hughes, who also plays in the NHL, was visibly emotional when he entered the locker room after the game. The moment served as a reminder of the human side of professional sports, where athletes are not just players but also individuals who face immense physical and mental challenges. As the Devils move forward, they will need to draw on their collective resilience and determination to overcome the loss of their star player and keep their playoff hopes alive. For Jack Hughes, the road to recovery has begun, and the hockey world will be rooting for his full and speedy return to the game he loves.