The New Jersey Devils practiced on Monday morning; however, star forward Jack Hughes did not.
He did, however, hop on the ice once practice was done. Hughes worked on some skating but did so away from the team.
After practice, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe issued the following status update on the star forward.
“Obviously the fact he was on the ice after [we practiced today] is more indicative he and the medical staff are happy with how his physical went throughout the day,” Keefe said. “I haven’t gotten an assessment of what that means. Whether he’s available tomorrow, that’s still up in the air still.”
So, it’s not bad news. However, it’s not good news, either.
Hughes was injured on Thursday during the first period of New Jersey’s tilt with the Nashville Predators on home ice.
That was four days ago, and Hughes already missed one game between now and then. The Devils visited the Ottawa Senators and lost a heartbreaker without him on the ice in the final minutes of the third.
The Devils have two games remaining on the schedule this week before the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics. New Jersey will host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday and the New York Islanders on Thursday. Both are crucial games in terms of the Devils’ hopes for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Devils currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and are eight points behind the Islanders from third place in the Metropolitan Division.
Hughes, who hasn’t exactly been himself since returning from a freak off-ice hand injury in November, boosts the Devils’ chances of climbing back into the playoff race rather than having an extended absence.
Speaking of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hughes is set to participate in the world tournament as a member of Team USA.
As of now, his status is not in question.
In 35 games this season, Hughes scored 12 goals and 36 points. In 18 games since returning from his hand injury, Hughes accrued two goals and 16 points.
