Jack Hughes leaves Devils game against Blues with upper-body injury

ST. LOUIS — In a disappointing 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on Friday, the New Jersey Devils’ star player, Jack Hughes, suffered an upper-body injury during the first period.

Following the game, Coach Lindy Ruff provided no further details regarding Hughes’ condition and confirmed that a thorough evaluation would take place on Saturday.

The incident occurred at the 9:56 mark when Hughes collided with the end boards, leading with his shoulder. Despite maneuvering past two defenders and getting a shot off that was blocked by Jordan Binnington, Hughes lost his balance and slid into the boards.

Though he managed to get up on his own and skate to the bench, Hughes quickly left the ice during the Devils’ power play at 10:50. His absence extended for the remainder of the first period and all of the second, prompting an official announcement from New Jersey that he would not return.

During his limited ice time of 3:55, Hughes registered one shot on goal. Impressively, he has accumulated 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in just 10 games, standing atop the NHL’s points leaderboard.

“It’s a tough blow,” commented Devils forward Curtis Lazar. “Considering the impressive start he’s had, it definitely affected our spirits. Nevertheless, we need to shift our focus and adopt the ‘next man up’ attitude.”

In addition to Hughes, the Devils were already dealing with the absence of center and captain Nico Hischier (upper body), forward Tomas Nosek (lower body), and defenseman Colin Miller (lower body) who are all sidelined for the team’s four-game road trip. The trip continues on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks and concludes on Tuesday with a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche.

“Despite the challenges we face early on, I have complete faith in the talent and resilience within our dressing room,” stated Lazar confidently.