Devils’ Star Jack Hughes Out for Season After Collision with Eichel

The New Jersey Devils have suffered a devastating blow as forward Jack Hughes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a shoulder injury sustained in a collision with Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel. The announcement, made by the team on Wednesday, confirms the worst fears of Devils fans who witnessed the incident during Saturday’s game in Vegas.

The injury occurred late in the third period as the Devils trailed the Golden Knights, desperately seeking a goal to narrow the deficit. Nico Hischier fired a shot on goal, and Hughes, positioned near the net, was unable to control the rebound. In the ensuing scramble, Hughes collided with Eichel, a teammate of his on the recent 4 Nations Face-Off representing the United States, and crashed heavily into the boards.

The immediate aftermath of the collision was concerning. Eichel, demonstrating sportsmanship, immediately checked on Hughes, who appeared to be in significant pain. Hughes skated off the ice, visibly hunched over, with his right arm seemingly dangling awkwardly. The team provided limited updates in the immediate aftermath, only confirming that Hughes had flown back east the day after the game. The news of surgery in Colorado and the subsequent announcement of his season-ending injury confirmed the severity of the situation.

"Obviously, it didn’t look good…" Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game, foreshadowing the grim news that would follow. Keefe also alluded to a similar play earlier in the period that resulted in a penalty call against Hughes, adding another layer of frustration to the situation.

The emotional impact of Hughes’ injury extended beyond the ice. Luke Hughes, Jack’s brother and also a member of the Devils roster, was reportedly emotional upon entering the locker room after the game, according to The Associated Press. The media gathered to conduct postgame interviews, adding to the somber atmosphere surrounding the team.

The loss of Hughes comes at a particularly difficult time for the Devils, who have been struggling to maintain their early-season form. The team has been mired in a cold stretch, compounded by another significant injury to defenseman Dougie Hamilton. After leading the Metropolitan Division during the holiday season, the Devils have posted a disappointing 10-13-3 record since Christmas, jeopardizing their playoff aspirations.

While their playoff spot remains relatively safe, with 19 games remaining in the season, several teams are closing the gap with games in hand. The Devils’ once-promising Stanley Cup aspirations have been significantly diminished by the loss of their star player. Hughes’ absence undoubtedly weakens their offensive firepower and overall team dynamic.

The injury is a bitter pill to swallow for the Devils, who have endured a decade of struggles to become relevant again. If they manage to secure a playoff berth, it would mark their second appearance in the postseason in the last three seasons, a welcome change after making the playoffs only once between 2013 and 2022. However, without Hughes, their chances of making a deep playoff run are considerably reduced.

This season marks the second consecutive year that Hughes has been limited to 62 games due to injuries. This year’s truncated campaign saw him amass 27 goals and 40 assists, showcasing his offensive prowess and value to the team. As the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes carried immense expectations, and he has consistently demonstrated the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. His absence creates a significant void in the Devils’ lineup and places added pressure on other players to step up and fill the gap.

The Devils will now have to rely on the rest of their roster, including Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jesper Bratt, to carry the offensive load. They will also need strong performances from their goaltenders and a renewed commitment to defensive solidity to weather the storm and secure their playoff spot.

The injury to Hughes serves as a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of hockey and the fragility of even the most talented players. The Devils will have to regroup and find a way to overcome this significant setback as they continue their push towards the playoffs. The team and its fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting Hughes’ return to full health next season, hoping that he can pick up where he left off and lead the Devils back to contention.

The Devils’ management will also need to consider how this injury impacts their long-term team building strategy. Will they look to acquire a short-term replacement to bolster their playoff hopes, or will they focus on developing their younger players and preparing for next season with a healthy Hughes back in the fold? These are difficult questions that the team will need to address as they navigate the remainder of the season.

The incident also raises questions about the physical nature of the game and the fine line between aggressive play and dangerous collisions. While the collision between Hughes and Eichel appeared to be accidental, it underscores the inherent risks involved in playing professional hockey. Player safety remains a paramount concern for the NHL, and incidents like this will likely prompt further discussion and scrutiny of the league’s rules and regulations.

The Devils will need to find a way to rally together and prove that they can compete without their star player. This is a critical test of their team depth, resilience, and leadership. The remaining games of the season will be a true measure of the Devils’ character and their ability to overcome adversity.

The loss of Jack Hughes is a significant blow to the New Jersey Devils, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. The team will need to rely on a collective effort to fill the void left by their star forward and ensure that their playoff aspirations remain within reach. The road ahead will be challenging, but the Devils have the potential to surprise many and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with, even without Hughes on the ice.