The New Jersey Devils’ woes have hit a new low this season. On Monday, the club escaped with two crucial points, as they topped the Calgary Flames 2-1 in overtime. But along the way, the team lost defenseman Luke Hughes to injury.
During the second period, a seemingly innocuous play led to Hughes pulling up in the middle of the ice, clutching his shoulder. He immediately went to the bench in evident agony.
Here’s a look at the play:
The replay shows the Flames’ Justin Kirkland tugging on the Devils defenseman’s jersey. The color commentary made a point of how a move in the wrong direction could lead to a tweak or something.
Unfortunately, Hughes did not return to the game following that incident. Later, insider Frank Seravalli offered some insight into the Devils’ blueliner’s potential injury. Servalli reported that Hughes had sustained a separated shoulder. There was no additional information following the game.
Meanwhile, the Devils will continue to evaluate Hughes to determine the next course of action and potential timeline.
However, one notable medical expert, Dr. Harjas Grewal, weighed in on the situation. He initially tweeted the following assessment based solely on Servalli’s comments, underscoring the potential need for surgery.
Grewal followed up his first tweet by stating that the Devils may contemplate surgery at this point or after the season.
Even if Hughes and the Devils avoid surgery, it doesn’t look like Hughes will be out for a couple of weeks. It seems this injury will be serious enough to keep the young D-man sidelined for an extended period.
Hughes Brothers Have Tough Luck with Devils
Luke Hughes will now join brother Jack on the Devils’ list of unfortunate injuries. Earlier this year, Jack Hughes sustained a significant cut in a hand during a team dinner. The “freak accident” caused Jack to miss some time while his hand healed.
According to reports, Jack slipped at the table he was dining at, breaking a glass with his hand. The shards made a deep cut into his hand, requiring several stitches to patch up.
The Devils went into a tailspin without Jack Hughes. The team recovered upon his return, but has since remained stuck in neutral.
Now, the latest inexplicable injury to befall the Devils has claimed Luke Hughes as its victim. It could be that the club’s playoff hopes could come under serious threat moving forward.
Prognosis on Hughes Injury Could Determine Deadline Plans
The prognosis on Luke Hughes’ injury could determine the Devils’ trade deadline plans. In particular, the injury may force the team to hold on to a defenseman they have been looking to trade.
That defenseman is Dougie Hamilton. Missing Hughes for an extended period will open up a lineup spot. Hamilton could fill that spot, potentially forcing the club to hold onto him. The Devils remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. So, it makes sense that GM Tom Fitzgerald may rethink his moves going forward.
Still, the entire equation hinges on Hughes’ prognosis. If Hughes doesn’t miss time beyond the Olympics, the Devils may catch a break.
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