The NHL remains optimistic about the participation of New Jersey Devils standout Jack Hughes in the upcoming NHL All-Star Game and skills competition in Toronto this weekend.
Having been sidelined with an undisclosed upper-body injury since the Devils’ Jan. 5 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks, the 22-year-old Hughes is yet to return to the ice for team practices, as mentioned by Devils coach Lindy Ruff.
Steve Mayer, the NHL’s chief content officer, expressed the league’s hope that Hughes would still make an appearance in the All-Star Game, stating, “We’re waiting on Jack. I know that Jack wants to play in the All-Star Game really badly. He continues to be evaluated. We’re hopeful, but we have no information as of right now as to whether or not Jack’s going to participate.”
Hughes was slated to play a significant role during the All-Star Weekend in Toronto, co-captaining one of the All-Star Game’s four teams alongside his brother, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The duo was set to draft their team during a new televised event on Thursday night.
In addition to the All-Star Game, Jack Hughes was also scheduled to participate in the revamped skills competition on Friday night, where 12 players compete for a $1 million winner-take-all prize.
Mayer emphasized the NHL’s desire to keep Hughes involved as a team captain even if he is unable to play, stating, “We want him to be here in Toronto. He knows that. And so we’d like to keep Team Hughes together even if he doesn’t play. But again, we’re waiting day by day. We’re proceeding as if he’s playing, but we also understand that he continues to be evaluated, and we’re going to wait until the last possible second to see if he can play.”
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald confirmed that Hughes is expected to attend the NHL All-Star Weekend regardless of his playing status, expressing enthusiasm for being part of the festivities.
Mayer outlined the contingency plan, stating that if Jack Hughes is unable to compete in the skills competition and the All-Star Game, the NHL will substitute another player in his place. As of now, Hughes is the sole representative of the Devils on the All-Star roster.
The NHL All-Star Weekend is scheduled to take place from February 1-3 in Toronto.
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