Devils’ Luke Hughes Shut Down for Surgery

Hughes has been a major contributor to the Devils’ blue line this season, after signing a seven-year, $63 million extension in October. This also marks the third consecutive season that he has crossed the 30-point threshold. 

Hughes stepped into a larger role in New Jersey in 2025-26, from playing on the top pairing after countless injuries to earning more power-play minutes, and he’s shown improvement despite stretches of inconsistency.

He is currently tied with Dougie Hamilton for the most points among Devils defensemen (35), but ranks first in assists (29). In addition, Hughes leads all Devils’ blueliners in ice time, averaging 23:00, and points per 60 minutes at 1.34.

Unfortunately, Hughes has dealt with injuries all season. At the end of January, he suffered a dislocated shoulder against the Calgary Flames and was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). He opted not to have surgery at the time, instead focusing strictly on rehab. However, it’s been less than a year since his last surgery, after a shoulder injury sustained in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In his absence, Dennis Cholowski will likely slot into the lineup, and Simon Nemec will move to the first power-play unit. Hopefully, Hughes will make a full recovery during the offseason and be ready to join the team at the start of the 2026-27 season.