The New Jersey Devils could be headed in a downward spiral at supersonic speeds after the recent turn of events in the NHL. Following a disappointing dying-seconds defeat to the Dallas Stars, the team’s morale has been further affected by the announcement on Jack Hughes‘ injury timeline.
When it rains, it pours—and it must be raining cats and dogs in Newark, as nothing has gone the Devils‘ way over the past week. New Jersey’s lynchpin, Jack Hughes, suffered a gruesome shoulder injury during the team’s 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 26.
After extensive evaluations, doubts lingered about when the alternate captain could return to the ice, and the results haven’t been promising.
Moreover, the Devils are coming off a heartbreaking stay in the DFW metro area, after their 4-3 loss against the Stars. After surrendering the game-winning goal to Dallas with 4.3 seconds left, the New Jersey locker room has now learned the expected timeline for their star, Jack Hughes.
“Jack Hughes underwent shoulder surgery earlier today and will be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Jack is expected to make a full recovery and be available for training camp,” the Devils social media account announced.
The news means Hughes’ 2024-25 NHL season has come to a crushing end, and with it, the Devils’ hopes for the Stanley Cup have taken a major blow.
Slim silver lining
If there are any positives to take from the news of Hughes’ right shoulder surgery, they are limited to just two: first, the procedure went smoothly, and second, placing Hughes on LTIR has freed up $8 million in cap space for the Devils.
The available cap space could be pivotal as the trade deadline approaches and the Devils search for a replacement for their 1C. Still, it will take some big steps to fill Hughes’ shoes at The Rock.
The Jets land in Newark
Winnipeg and New Jersey will face off on March 7 in a matchup with an odd vibe. The Jets were on a tear in the NHL just a few days ago, winning 11 straight, but have since dropped three in a row.
Meanwhile, the Devils have watched everything that could go wrong unravel into disaster. Both teams will be eager to get back in the win column, but neither side is at their best right now.