After an instant classic between the New Jersey Devils and the Chicago Blackhawks on NHL on TNT, one which saw a comeback win powered by a Simon Nemec hat-trick and overtime winner on primetime television, the high that Devils fans were riding only lasted a day or two before the news broke. After a gutsy victory, Devils star forward Jack Hughes cut his hand while at a team dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, landing him a 6-8 week IR stint after a successful surgery.
Reminiscent of when Washington Wizards point guard John Wall slipped and fell in his home, resulting in his achilles rupturing (although this is nowhere near as severe as that, thankfully) it is always a shock when a player, especially one of Hughes' caliber, gets injured while not even on the ice. The Devils have had a good start to the 2025-26 season. With the team currently tied for first place in the Metropolitan Division alongside the Carolina Hurricanes, losing one of, if not the best goalscorer on your roster, reasonably gives cause for concern. However, like many things, there is always a silver lining that can provide a positive outlook on the situation.
The Annual "Hughes Injury" is Out of the Way
Since coming into the league, Jack Hughes has never played a full 82 game season for New Jersey in his career, and with this injury that will remain true for year seven. At only 24, Hughes' growing history of injuries has become almost normal to Devils fans. It seems after each new season begins, the question is no longer if the Hughes injury will happen, but rather when and how long? It's become an issue every year for the young American star, but this time around it feels different. With numerous shoulder and upper-body injuries in his career, stitches on the finger are nothing. With how good Hughes is at such a young age, Devils fans want to maintain longevity from their franchise player, and consistent upper-body injuries year in and year out are not a good sign of a long NHL career. If cutting his hand on a piece of glass early in the season is the absolute worst that will happen this season to Jack, Devils fans will take it... given the team maintains steady points during his absence.
Golden Opportunity for the Growth of Unproven Players
Losing a player like Jack Hughes and the offensive prowess he brings is a devastating blow to the Devils, but while he is gone, the rest of the Devils forward core will have a chance to put their skills on full display. Dawson Mercer, who is now going into his fifth season with much room for growth, and promising rookie Arseny Gritsyuk are just two major names who will see an increase in time on ice, both in 5-on-5 play as well as the special teams units. It's not just the young talent that will have an opportunity to showcase their skills, but the veterans. Offseason acquisitions Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and Luke Glendening will all be able to show Coach Sheldon Keefe what roles and line combinations to use them in to develop a more proficient offense. This New Jersey team has no lack of offensive weapons, but during the regular season they have to figure out what line combinations and special teams units give them the chance to go on a deep playoff run.
A True Test of Character for the Next 6-8 Weeks
Every Stanley Cup contending team in the NHL has their star player that fuels their offense: Edmonton and McDavid, Colorado and MacKinnon, Vegas and Eichel, etc. However, individual players are not the sole reason a team wins the Stanley Cup. The supporting cast around these players are what truly separate contenders from pretenders. With New Jersey's franchise player out until January, this Devils team will need to elevate their play in his absence and maintain their winning record. In a very competitive Metropolitan Division, the Devils have to keep up with teams like the Hurricanes and Penguins if they want to lock up a playoff berth. It will be a tough two months, but it will prove if the New Jersey Devils are finally the real deal.
Another Jack Hughes injury is the last thing Devils fans wanted after the team's impressive start to the season, but the next 6-8 weeks will be a true test to see what this team is made of. The next two months will be very telling of how strong this Devils team is. Every player, from rookies to veterans, will all have to chip in while their franchise star is watching from the press box.