Perhaps it will be a Christmas miracle. The New Jersey Devils might get Jack Hughes back by Christmas.
On the latest edition of “The Point,” via ESPN, insider Emily Kaplan explained she’s hearing that Hughes very well may return from the injury that was described as a “fluke” accident as early as late December.
Kaplan went on to explain that was a “best case-scenario” situation. However, to even have that as a remote possibility is huge news for the Devils, when his original projection was up to eight weeks.
“The good news is: This is not as bad as initially feared,” Kaplan said, via ESPN’s The Point. “Best case scenario we can see him back as early as Christmas, more likely it’s early January. The expectation, I have been told, is he still will be named to Team USA’s Olympic team.”
At one point before the injury was officially revealed, there were concerns that not only would Hughes potentially miss the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his season could, in fact, be over.
Fortunately for the Devils, that appears not to be the case, and he’s potentially going to return sooner than anticipated.
Official word of Hughes’ injury is that he slipped and fell on broken glass at a team dinner, which left a gash on his pinkie finger. Hughes went for successful surgery and received stitches on the finger.
According to the Devils, “New Jersey Devils C Jack Hughes underwent successful surgery on his finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The expected return to play timeline is eight weeks and he will be re-evaluated at the six-week mark.”
Hughes was en route to a potential career year, with 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games, which saw the Devils off to a 12-4-1 start to the season while sitting atop the Metropolitan Division.
Hughes has suffered significant injures in three straight seasons, receiving the same shoulder surgery in the two previous years.
James is the New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on Sportsnaut and the PHWAs New … More about James Nichols