Devils' Luke Hughes Facing Uncertain Injury Timeline

New Jersey next turns their attention to facing off against the Edmonton Oilers.

Devils' team reporter Amanda Stein reported that head coach Sheldon Keefe has confirmed that Hughes will miss at least the remainder of the road stretch, but is still requiring further evaluation. The Devils do not return home until Jan. 27, when they host the Winnipeg Jets.

Devils' Defenseman Requires Injury Evaluation

Hughes is 22 and has 119 points on his career (22 goals, 97 assists) across 204 games played. So far throughout the 2025-26 season, he has posted 26 points.

The blueliner was originally drafted No. 4 overall by New Jersey back in 2021. His career-high so far was earned in 2023-24, with 47 points.

Hughes's first-round selection came after he played in 80 career games and scored 27 goals and 60 assists for 87 points with the University of Michigan. He was also the captain for Team USA at the 2023 World Junior Championship, and led the red, white and blue in TOI (23:01) en route to earning the bronze medal.

It's also being reported that the injury occurred due to Hughes hyperextending his shoulder out of proper placement.

“He’s gonna have to get evaluated. He’s gonna miss time, for sure. You won’t see him on the rest of this road trip. We’re gonna get him evaluated and determine the length of the time [of his absence] from there,” Keefe said to the media postgame.

In addition — Hughes's elder brother, Jack, who is also on the Devils' roster was seen going down the tunnel to check on Luke. Should Luke require shoulder surgery, the average timeline to return for a dislocated shoulder is around five to six months.

Luke is currently signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils that boasts an average annual value of $9 million. This deal came to fruition in Oct., 2025 as the defenseman was a restricted free agent.

Jack recently returned to the New Jersey lineup prior to the holiday break, after sustaining a hand injury in a freak-accident. The star center saw his first game back against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 21.

Another injury for the Devils could not have come at a worse time. New Jersey currently sits within the bottom three of the Metropolitan Division (52 points), with a 25-22-2 overall record.