Devils' Jack Hughes Out vs. Blue Jackets

Per head coach Sheldon Keefe, Jack Hughes will remain out of the New Jersey Devils' lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 3.

Hughes sustained a lower-body injury during recent play against the Nashville Predators. During the first period, the center went down the tunnel followed by a team trainer. He returned to the Devils' bench and took one shift, only to then depart down the tunnel once again and not return. Devils' team reporter Amanda Stein reported that the medical staffers are not yet comfortable with where Hughes is at health wise for him to play while hosting Columbus.

The injury was not originally believed to be serious, with Keefe originally stating that Hughes tweaked something during the game against the Predators.

Hughes was in attendance and looking well for the Devils' Sweep the Deck event on the evening of Feb. 2 and has 36 points across 12 goals and 24 assists so far this year.

Devils in Closing Stretch Ahead of Olympic Break

The NHL Olympic roster freeze begins on Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. EST and runs through Feb. 22. Puck-drop against the Blue Jackets is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST, with New Jersey then only seeing action against the New York Islanders on Feb. 5 before the Devils' break in play.

New Jersey will return to the rink following the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics against the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 25.

“Not available tonight,” Keefe said of Hughes. “I know his goal is to play on Thursday. He’s doing everything he can to get to the point. It’s really up to the medical team and at this point they’re not confident with where he’s at. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. He’s trying to do everything he can to get himself to the point that he’s able to play without putting himself in a bad spot. The medical team is not at the point where they’re comfortable with him getting out with the group.”