Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Devils News & Rumors: Jack’s Hand, Dougie Hamilton, Standings

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Daniel Amoia | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 9:25 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils have started to get back on track, winning three of four on their road trip as they look to claw their way back into the playoff picture.

In this edition of Devils News & Rumors, we discuss Jack Hughes’ lingering hand injury, plans for Dougie Hamilton ahead of the deadline, and the Devils’ standings situation.

Analyst/Former NHLer Concerned Over Jack Hughes’ Hand

There’s no question that Jack at even 25% health is better than most of the league. With that being said, it’s still a question as to how far along the healing of Hughes’ injured hand truly is.

In 17 games since returning, he has just two goals. He’s still put up points, though; he also has 12 assists in that span, which leads the entire team. Despite this, prior to the injury, Hughes would typically perform well over a point-per-game. This has led some, including former NHLer and analyst Mike Rupp, to voice their concerns:

“This is becoming more and more concerning,” said Rupp on his X account, in reply to a post from Devils blogger JP Gambatese that said, “Abundantly clear Jack is still practically using one hand.”

Dougie Hamilton Plans Changing?

A couple weeks ago, it seemed pretty clear that Hamilton would eventually be traded. After getting healthy scratched, his agent JP Barry seemed frustrated in a statement to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, saying, “In our view, this decision is all about business rather than his game right now. Singling him out seems very calculated at this stage.”

Devils’ general manager Tom Fitzgerald responded, “This is simply Dougie being the odd-man out with where our right-side is — fully healthy for the first time all year. This is business. Business of our lineup!”

Somewhat surprisingly, Hamilton returned to the lineup…and he’s completely turned his game around. After notching nine points in his first 39 games, he doubled that total in the following eight games.

With Luke Hughes out for at least a few weeks, Hamilton is the only true offensive defenseman left on the roster. It’s led some to wonder…is it in the Devils’ best interest to keep him? We shall see.

Standings Are Tight

With the Devils’ recent loss to the Seattle Kraken, they (56) remain three points behind the New York Islanders (59) for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

However, there are two others teams in front of the Devils; the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals both have 57 points. The Wild Card (WC) race isn’t any easier, as the Devils sit six points behind the Boston Bruins for the second WC…and get this: there are four teams between the Devils and Bruins.

Every single point will be crucial for the Devils as they continue on. One mistake could define the season.

As the season moves along, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.