Jack Hughes, a standout player for the New Jersey Devils, is currently being assessed for a non-hockey related hand injury, as announced by the team on Friday.
Sources indicated that Hughes sustained the injury during a «freak incident» at a team dinner on Thursday. While the team travels to Washington for a matchup against the Capitals on Saturday, Hughes has returned to New Jersey for a more thorough evaluation, the sources added. The 24-year-old is not anticipated to participate in Saturday’s game, and the team should have a clearer understanding of his return timeline afterward.
Hughes had been making an impressive start for New Jersey, which holds a record of 12-4-1 and is leading the Metropolitan Division as of Friday. The American forward has netted 10 goals and accumulated 20 points in his initial 17 games.
It remains uncertain how this injury might impact Hughes’ eligibility for Team USA for the 2026 Olympics in Milan. His brother, Quinn, has already secured a spot on the team. The Devils star was also projected to be included in the roster, which is set to be announced on Dec. 31.
