Jack Hughes Hand Injury: Devils Star Sidelined

Devils Star Jack Hughes Suffers Freak Hand Injury

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes is sidelined indefinitely after sustaining a hand injury in a bizarre non-hockey incident during a team dinner on Thursday night. The 24-year-old playmaker, who's been one of the NHL's most dominant players this season, is now being evaluated for what sources describe as a "freak accident" that occurred off the ice.

The injury occurred at a team dinner before the Devils' recent road trip. According to multiple reports, Hughes slipped and cut his hand in what's being characterized as a completely unrelated-to-hockey mishap. The team immediately announced he wouldn't travel with the squad for Saturday's matchup against the Washington Capitals, with Hughes returning to New Jersey for further medical evaluation.

"Hughes is being evaluated for a non-hockey injury on his hand," the Devils stated in their official announcement. "The team should have clarity on the timeline for return after that."

Season Impact and Team Status

This news comes at a critical time for both Hughes and the Devils. New Jersey sits atop the Metropolitan Division with a 12-4-1 record, largely thanks to Hughes' electrifying start to the 2025-26 campaign. Before the injury, he had amassed 10 goals and 20 points in just 17 games, including a two-assist performance in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

His absence creates a significant void in New Jersey's top-six forward group. Hughes is not just a point producer but a dynamic offensive catalyst whose speed and playmaking ability set the tone for the entire team. The Devils will rely on players like Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and newly acquired Pavel Zacha to fill the offensive gap while Hughes recovers.

Olympic Implications

The injury also raises questions about Hughes' availability for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The American-born star was widely expected to be named to Team USA's roster, with his brother Quinn Hughes already officially selected for the Canadian team. The Olympic roster deadline is December 31, leaving a narrow window for Hughes to recover and potentially join the national team.

League-Wide Injury Woes

Hughes' unfortunate incident adds to a growing list of significant injuries across the NHL this season. Other notable players currently sidelined include:

• Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): Out with a lower-body injury, potentially missing a week.
• Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild): Week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
• Thatcher Demko (Vancouver Canucks): Placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
• Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators): Skating but still weeks away from returning after thumb surgery.

What's Next for Hughes?

While the exact timeline for Hughes' return remains unclear, the "non-hockey" nature of the injury suggests a potentially quicker recovery than typical hockey-related hand injuries. Hand lacerations often heal well with proper medical care, though the severity of the cut will determine his rehabilitation period.

The Devils organization and fans alike are hoping for a speedy recovery, especially with the team performing so well in the early season. As more details emerge from Hughes' evaluation, the hockey world will be watching closely to see how this "freak accident" impacts both the Devils' playoff push and Hughes' Olympic dreams.