In the lead-up to the NHL’s All-Star Weekend, it was officially declared that Jack Hughes, the star center for the New Jersey Devils, would attend the event but refrain from participating due to an undisclosed upper-body injury. Despite this setback, Hughes remains optimistic about his imminent return to the playing roster.
Expressing his confidence, Hughes remarked after the player draft on Thursday night, “I think I’m really close. Hopefully, I can come out of the break here and feel good, and I can finish off the year really strong.” The talented center had been sidelined for the Devils’ last 10 games leading up to the All-Star break, during which the team struggled with a 3-6-1 record.
The Devils’ performance without Hughes prompted criticism, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the 22-year-old’s return. Hughes acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the skills competition and game at the All-Star event, stating, “Obviously, a bummer, but no one’s fault. Tough timing. Just the way she went. Still fortunate to be here with Quinn [Hughes] and stuff, but of course, I’d like to be playing.”
Despite his absence from on-ice activities, Hughes took on the role of team captain during the player draft alongside his brother Quinn Hughes, a defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks. Team Hughes selected notable players like Elias Pettersson, Thatcher Demko, Brock Boeser, J.T. Miller, Nikita Kucherov, Kyle Connor, Brady Tkachuk, Jesper Bratt, Cam Talbot, and Frank Vatrano.
Currently, Hughes ranks second on the Devils in points, boasting an impressive record of 15 goals and 30 assists in 32 games. Jesper Bratt, who stepped in for Hughes in the All-Star activities, leads the team with 19 goals and 31 assists in 47 games.
Speaking highly of Bratt’s performance over the past three years, Hughes stated, “Even the last three years, last year he had a great year, and the year before that he burst through the door. It’s kind of three years of him playing at this level, and for him to get that recognition, it’s a big deal. I’m really happy for him, and it’s really well deserved.”
While Hughes is eager to make a strong comeback for the Devils, his absence has shed light on the team’s struggles, and fans await his return to bolster their performance in the remainder of the season.
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