New Jersey Devils Reveal Brutal Extent Of Jack Hughes Injury

When New Jersey Devils' star Jack Hughes sat out with an upper-body injury before the Devils' most recent game, speculation began to build that the superstar could be shut down for the season. Now we have confirmation from the team, as they've revealed that their top goal scorer will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

NJD announce Jack Hughes is out for the rest of the season and will have shoulder surgery on Thursday. He is expected to be ready for next season
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 9, 2024

The team says that Hughes should make a full recovery and be ready to go for the start of the 2024-25 season.

The 22-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has already missed 16 games this season with upper-body injuries, and it's clear now that it's his shoulder that will have him shut down for good.

He finishes the season with 27 goals and 47 assists for 74 points in 62 games. His 1.19 points per game ranks him 13th in the NHL, but his pace has slowed since he returned from injuries two months ago, and shifted over to the wing from center. It's pretty obvious that Hughes may have still been nursing his earlier injuries over the past few weeks.

The Devils' playoff hopes are pretty much nil at this point, as they sit at 37-36-5, five points out of a Wild Card spot with just four games to go and four other teams to leapfrog as well.

Hughes will hope to return at full strength next season and make another run at a 40-goal season, which he accomplished last year.