Luke Hughes placed on LTIR, sidelined with shoulder injury (Image via: Getty Images) The New Jersey Devils announced Wednesday that defenseman Luke Hughes has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) retroactive to Monday following a shoulder injury. Hughes, 22, left Monday’s 2-1 overtime win against the Calgary Flames after colliding with forward Justin Kirkland along the boards. He also missed Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers as he begins rehab, avoiding surgery for now. Hughes’ absence is a major setback for the Devils, who rely heavily on his playmaking and defensive presence. As a rising star and cornerstone of the team’s blue line, Hughes’ performance is crucial for New Jersey’s push in the Metropolitan Division this season.
Luke Hughes to miss extended time, New Jersey Devils recall Colton White
Hughes sustained an upper-body injury during Monday’s game and, after consulting multiple specialists and his family, opted for rehab instead of surgery. With the LTIR designation, he must sit out at least 10 games and 24 days. The team expects him to be sidelined through the Olympic break and will monitor his recovery to determine a return timeline.The 2021 fourth-overall NHL Draft pick leads the Devils in ice time per game at 23:04 and tops the team’s defensemen with 26 points (five goals, 21 assists) in 49 games this season. Over his young career, Hughes has recorded 119 points in 204 regular-season games, alongside two assists in four Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. His ability to control play in both ends makes his absence particularly challenging for New Jersey.To cover the gap, the Devils recalled defenseman Colton White from the AHL’s Utica Comets ahead of Friday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. While White adds depth, Hughes’ offensive and defensive impact will be difficult to replace.New Jersey (26-22-2) currently sits sixth in the Metropolitan Division and faces a critical stretch of the season without one of its most dynamic defensemen. With Hughes recently signing a seven-year, $63 million contract extension, he remains central to the Devils’ long-term plans. His rehabilitation process will be closely followed as the team goes through this critical period, balancing the immediate impact of his absence with the goal of a full, healthy return.