.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is actually an NHL reporter for ESPN.New Jacket Devils defenseman Luke Hughes are going to need to have between six to 8 full weeks to recoup from a shoulder injury he suffered earlier this month, the group claimed Thursday.Hughes suffered a left side shoulder personal injury in the course of offseason instruction. After being reviewed by the Devils' clinical personnel, it was actually determined he would not demand surgical operation which it could take much more than 6 weeks for him to recover.That timeline indicates Hughes will miss the Devils' seven preseason video games and also their season-opening activities on Oct. 4 and also Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he can come back would certainly be the week of Oct. twenty, which indicates the Devils would certainly have already played eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for even a brief period follows he utilized his rookie project to enhance why he's thought about some of the video game's brightest youthful superstars. Hughes completed last season along with six objectives as well as 47 points while also being one of 5 Devils to play in each 82 games.What Hughes achieved as a rookie led to him completing 3rd in Calder Prize voting behind the resulting winner, Chicago Blackhawks facility Connor Bedard, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and Faber were the only novice defensemen that played all 82 activities final period. They were also tied for second amongst newbies in factors with Bedard leading the game's first-year gamers with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually cleared to come back, he is actually expected to become a vital component of the Devils' programs to return to the playoffs. Hughes, that was the 4th selection of the 2021 NHL Draft, invested two years cultivating at the University of Michigan, which additionally created his bro Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain who is actually additionally the ruling Norris Prize victor for the NHL's greatest defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after pair of times and signed his entry-level deal with the Devils. It permitted him to join his brother and also Devils alternate leader, Port, for the team's playoff operate during the course of the 2023 Stanley Mug playoffs.The Devils succeeded 52 activities throughout the 2022-23 period as well as accelerated to the playoffs for the very first time in 4 periods. They opened along with a first-round victory over the competing Nyc Rangers in seven activities prior to shedding in the second sphere versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last period saw the Devils problem to find consistency and miss the playoffs. It triggered them parting means with crown instructor Lindy Ruff and also working with interim train Travis Green just before they then employed past Toronto Walnut Leafs instructor Sheldon Keefe in old May.