A budding superstar’s return to the lineup is on the horizon. New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes is “50/50” to return to the lineup tomorrow against the St. Louis Blues after skating in a non-contact jersey today, reports ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
Wyshynski adds that Hughes “wants back in,” but the team is being cautious in his recovery from an upper-body injury. A maintenance day last week quickly developed into a week-long absence last week, and his return comes a bit ahead of schedule after the team issued a week-to-week timeline for recovery.
The dynamic 21-year-old still sits in the NHL lead with 29 even-strength goals this season. His 35 goals, 67 points, and 229 shots on goal all lead the Devils.
The middle child in the Hughes family is well above a point-per-game clip in his fourth NHL season and seems like an undeniable franchise cornerstone after the Devils selected him first overall in 2019. He had a spectacular six goals and 11 points in his last five games before sustaining the upper-body injury.
If he can’t return to the Devils lineup tomorrow, he’ll likely suit up for at least one of the team’s back-to-back home games against Pittsburgh and Winnipeg this weekend.
Rest him. Don’t rush him.
They should definitely hold him out until after Saturday’s game against the Pens.
Don’t want to take any chances, he’s very slender.
Better safe than sorry.
He needs to hit the gym.
Devils need to trade for a Tanner Jeanot type (Top 5 in hits, and netted 24 last year) or Lawson Crouse type (physical and on pace for 25 goals).