Jack Hughes lower-body injury concerns emerged after the New Jersey Devils center exited a game early and did not return. The Devils confirmed Hughes is being evaluated after leaving the matchup against the Nashville Predators. He skated briefly following the incident but was unable to continue. The team has not yet provided a diagnosis or recovery timeline.
Game Exit Linked to Jack Hughes Lower-Body Injury
The Jack Hughes lower-body injury occurred early in the contest. Hughes left the ice after limited action and went to the locker room. He attempted one short shift afterward before being ruled out for the remainder of the game. The Devils went on to win the game 3–2 in overtime despite his absence. Nico Hischier scored the overtime goal to secure the victory.
Team Response to Jack Hughes Lower-Body Injury
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the Jack Hughes lower-body injury following the game. He stated that the injury is not believed to be serious at this stage. Medical staff will continue evaluating Hughes over the next several days. His status for the upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators remains uncertain pending further assessment.
Injury Context During the 2025–26 Season
The Jack Hughes lower-body injury adds to a season that has already included time missed. Earlier in the 2025–26 campaign, Hughes underwent finger surgery after an off-ice accident at a team event. That procedure sidelined him for several weeks. He had only recently returned to full game action prior to this latest issue.
Devils Await Further Medical Results
The Devils have not announced whether the Jack Hughes lower-body injury will require missed games. No imaging results or return estimates have been released. Hughes’ availability will depend on how he responds to medical evaluation and treatment. The team is expected to provide an update once testing is completed.
Hughes remains a key part of New Jersey’s roster. Any absence could affect upcoming line combinations and minutes distribution. For now, the organization continues to monitor the situation closely.
