For the New Jersey Devils, Jack Hughes's health is arguably the single biggest swing factor for their 2025-25 season.
And it's for good reasons. Hughes makes the entire New Jersey offensive identity click because he is the Devils' top play-driver at both even strength and on the power play. His skating and puck-carrying skills create zone entries that most other forwards on the roster simply cannot replicate, so when he’s out, the team’s ability to sustain offense drops sharply.
Hughes has been MIA for the Devils since he suffered a significant right shoulder injury on March 2, 2025 during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights when he slammed into the boards, which then prompted surgery and ended his season.
Why the Devils must keep Jack Hughes healthy
While he was healthy, Hughes posted 70 points across 62 games played with 27 goals and 43 assists (+12). The Devils compiled a 9-10-1 record in games Hughes missed throughout the 2024-25 season.
Needless to say, there's more than one reason why the Devils need him to stay healthy for next season.
3. His on-ice absence exposes the depth issues at center
Without Hughes, captain Nico Hischier has to carry both top-line matchups and heavier offensive duties without him, which heavily hurts Hischier's defensive impact. The drop-off from Hughes/Hischier to the 3C slot is steep — too steep — and it puts strains on the entire Devils' lineup.
2. Hughes boosts teammates' production
Linemates such as Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Dawson Mercer all see huge jumps in production/scoring when paired with Hughes. This is because he is really skilled at opening up the ice and forcing defenses to collapse.
Without Hughes, secondary scoring lines will have trouble shouldering a load they simply aren't built to handle. The Devils also have no depth at center, especially in the top six.
1. He changes the pace of play
When Hughes plays and is on the ice, the New Jersey Devils play a fast, possession-based and attacking style of hockey. But when his presence isn't felt on the ice, New Jersey often slows down and becomes much easier to defend against.
In short, for 2025-26, the Devils have to keep Hughes healthy if they want to go further in the postseason than they did in 2024-25.