Misfortune really hit the New Jersey Devils hard when the franchise’s cornerstone, Jack Hughes, had to be sidelined because of a freak injury that transpired during a team dinner. The Devils’ leading goal scorer of the season, Hughes, was initially expected to be out for as many as eight weeks.

In Hughes’ absence, the Devils’ offense has been inconsistent and rough. The team is reeling from a three-game losing streak. However, the star center seems to be recovering well from his surgery, as he was seen dining with pop sensation Tate McRae in the West Village, sparking reactions from far and wide, including P.K. Subban’s.

P.K. Subban’s Curious Reaction to New Jersey Devils Forward Jack Hughes’ Date Night

Initially, Hughes was expected to be out for up to two months following finger surgery. The details of the bizarre incident leading up to the 24-year-old’s exit were conspicuously withheld.

“Well, I think just out of respect for the situation, and it doesn’t do anybody any good to dig too much into the details of what happened other than to say from our end of it, we’re satisfied it was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone,” team’s coach Sheldon Keefe said in the aftermath of the incident, as reported by NHLMedia.

However, there is enough reason to know now that Hughes cut his hand on glass. According to Nick Villano writing for Pucks and Pitchforks, Hughes might mark his return to ice sooner than expected: right after Christmas break.

“The Christmas Break would come around the seven-week mark of his injury timeline. That’s after Hughes is evaluated but before the Devils initially expected him back,” Villano wrote, drawing upon the possible timeline for Hughes’ return forwarded by ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan.

Hughes appeared to be on a steady path to recovery, as he was spotted having dinner with singer Tate McRae in New York’s West Village, according to DeuxMoi. “Jack Hughes out and about after his surgery, grabbing dinner in New York with Tate McRae,” B/R Open Ice posted on X.

Subban left a cryptic comment under the post about Hughes and McRae’s dinner date: all emojis, no words. “📺💨💨💨💨👀🫳🍿,” the former NHL blueliner commented, leaving more questions than answers.

Despite the noise around Hughes’ involvement with McRae, as evidenced by the myriad reactions to the post, fans would be more excited for his return to the rink to save the Devils, who are clearly struggling without their star forward. Moreover, the 24-year-old’s return will be a ray of hope for Team USA’s global aspirations at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.