Luke Hughes Avoids Surgery, Will Rehab Upper-Body Injury
Table of Contents
A crucial piece of the New Jersey Devils’ core will avoid a surgical procedure, opting rather for rehabilitation of an upper-body injury. The news, first reported by ESPN on wednesday, offers a measure of relief to fans concerned about the long-term impact of the injury sustained by defenseman Luke Hughes.
The decision to pursue rehab followed extensive imaging and consultations with medical professionals, the team, and Hughes’ family.The Devils officially placed Hughes on long-term injured reserve on Wednesday,requiring him to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. Initial projections indicate Hughes will likely be sidelined through the upcoming Olympic break, with the team closely monitoring his progress to establish a definitive return timeline.
Injury Details and Recent Games
Hughes sustained the injury during a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames on Monday, occurring while battling for possession of the puck with Justin Kirkland. He was unable to participate in tuesday’s subsequent game against the Edmonton Oilers.
A Key Player for the Devils’ Future
At 22 years old, Hughes has rapidly become an indispensable asset for the Devils. This is underscored by the seven-year, $63 million contract extension he signed with the team prior to the current season. Currently, Hughes leads all new jersey skaters in ice time and has accumulated 26 points in 49 games played this season. His absence represents a significant challenge for the Devils’ defensive lineup.
Team Performance Amidst Injury
Despite Hughes’ injury,the New Jersey Devils have demonstrated resilience,winning four of thier last five games. The team is currently on a West Coast road trip and will continue play this week with a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Devils will need to navigate this stretch without one of their most dynamic players, but the team’s recent success suggests they are capable of overcoming this adversity.
