Jack Hughes with the New Jersey Devils (Via Getty Images) The New Jersey Devils received unwelcome news Saturday afternoon ahead of their matchup with the Ottawa Senators. A star forward will miss the game after suffering an injury during Thursday night’s contest against the Predators.Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Jack Hughes is day-to-day with a lower-body injury and will not play Saturday against Ottawa. The forward has been ruled out as the Devils continue their playoff push in the Metropolitan Division.
Jack Hughes will remain out on Saturday, but his injury confirmed to be day-to-day
The 24-year-old left during the game against Nashville in the first period after tweaking something in his lower body. The team evaluated on Friday to determine the severity of the issue and received encouraging results despite the absence.The injury news could have been worse. Keefe delivered positive updates when speaking with reporters Saturday, suggesting the absence should be brief. “Evaluation yesterday confirmed good news, which is that it’s not anything serious,” Keefe said. “I think we’ll see him on the ice soon.”The timeline represents crucial information for the Devils and for Hughes personally. The 24-year-old is slated to compete at the Winter Olympics with his brother Quinn for the first time as part of Team USA. Competition begins February 11, giving Hughes time to recover before the tournament.The Devils face another potential absence for Saturday’s game. Captain Nico Hischier is listed as a game-time decision because of an illness. Hischier did not participate in the team’s morning skate, leaving his availability uncertain heading into the evening.Hughes has endured a difficult season dealing with multiple injuries. The Orlando native missed five weeks earlier this campaign after cutting his right thumb at a team dinner, an injury that required surgery and cost him significant time.Despite the interrupted season, Hughes has contributed 12 goals and 36 points through 36 games. The production remains valuable for a Devils team fighting for playoff positioning in a crowded Metropolitan Division race.The Devils enter Saturday with a 28-24-2 record and sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division. With the Olympic break approaching in early February and the trade deadline looming on March 6, every game carries increased importance as the team battles for a postseason berth in a tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff picture.