Luke Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Sidelined for Six to Eight Weeks

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will miss six to eight weeks with a left-shoulder injury, the team announced Thursday.

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes sustained a left-shoulder injury and will be out for six to eight weeks, the team announced on Thursday.

The injury does not require surgery, according to the team, and Hughes is expected to return in early November, missing around a month of the regular season.

Luke Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Sidelined for Six to Eight Weeks

Hughes, 21, had a breakout performance last season, scoring nine goals and recording 38 assists while playing in all 82 games. He was named to the 2023-2024 NHL All-Rookie team.

His absence is a significant blow for the Devils, who are hoping to contend for a playoff spot this season. Hughes is a skilled puck-moving defenseman who plays a key role in the team's power play.

Luke Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Sidelined for Six to Eight Weeks

Without Hughes, the Devils will need to rely on other defensemen to step up, such as Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Graves, and Jonas Siegenthaler.

Hughes' brother, Jack, is also recovering from a shoulder injury. Jack, the Devils' first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, underwent surgery on his right shoulder in April and is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

Luke Hughes Suffers Shoulder Injury, Sidelined for Six to Eight Weeks

Jack Hughes, 20, had 74 points in 62 games last season, despite missing 20 games due to injury. The dynamic centerman is expected to play alongside his brother Luke when both are healthy.

The Hughes brothers, along with their older brother Quinn, are all talented hockey players. Quinn Hughes, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks, won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman last season.

The Devils open their regular season in Europe, facing former coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres for two games in Prague on Oct. 4-5. They will then return home to New Jersey to host the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 14.