When the New Jersey Devils dropped the puck against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, star defenseman Luke Hughes did NOT remain on the ice, despite taking warmups.
Earlier on Friday, the Devils participated in morning skate ahead of their tilt at the Canada Life Centre. Hughes was also missing for reps in the morning, however, the team explained he would be available for their game later that night.
Although it appeared at first glance like Luke Hughes might be in the lineup, he ultimately did not play.
The Devils explained the 21-year-old defenseman was held out for precautionary reasons pertaining to a lower-body injury.
Hughes is in the midst of a solid sophomore campaign. He’s racked up six goals and 32 assists for 38 points in 64 games thus far. He’s filled in excellently for fellow injured defenseman, Dougie Hamilton—who typically provides the offense from the blueline—with a goal and 11 assists for 12 points in his last 11 games, and significantly increasing his ice time.
In fact, the sophomore defenseman’s play has been so rock solid, that he is just the second defenseman to register consecutive 30-assist seasons since Brian Rafalski did it between 2000 and 2007.
However, the Devils were forced to turn to Dennis Cholowski, who they acquired at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline from the New York Islanders.
Hughes is just another significant name added to the injured stars in New Jersey, including Hamilton, his brother Jack Hughes, and Jonas Siegenthaler.
The news of Hughes’ absence is a bit of a surprise. He’s coming off a stellar night two nights ago, where he provided three primary assists in the Devils’ victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Following Friday’s tilt with the Jets, New Jersey plays again on Saturday vs. the Minnesota Wild.
*THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY AND IT WILL BE UPDATED AS MORE INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE.
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