In a significant blow to the New Jersey Devils, center Jack Hughes has sustained a hand injury, sidelining him indefinitely. This incident occurred during a team dinner, and it is expected that Hughes will be out well into the New Year. The 24-year-old forward, who was the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has a history of injuries, having played more than 62 games in a season only once. Prior to his injury, Hughes had an impressive start to the season, scoring 20 points in 17 games.
Impact on the Devils’ Lineup
Hughes’ absence exacerbates the team’s existing depth issues at center. Captain Nico Hischier has moved into a top-line role, while Dawson Mercer has shifted to play down the middle. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been seeking a reliable third-line center since last season, aiming to support Hughes and Hischier.
Trade Market Dynamics
Fitzgerald’s search for a center is complicated by a crowded trade market, with numerous teams also in need of center help. While the Devils consider potential trades, they do not plan to pursue high-profile replacements for Hughes. Instead, they are focused on acquiring a depth player, with Fitzgerald stating a desire to make a trade “sooner rather than later.”
Current Roster Adjustments
- Mercer is expected to fill in at center for the time being.
- Connor Brown and Arseny Gritsyuk have been performing well on the wings, providing roster flexibility.
- Cody Glass, recently acquired from the Nashville Predators, has shown promise, having scored three goals in ten games before his own injury.
The Devils are particularly interested in adding size and competitiveness to their lineup. Names such as Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames and Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues have surfaced as potential trade targets. While Kadri is viewed as a top-tier option, Schenn may align more closely with the Devils’ current criteria.
Injury Concerns and Salary Cap Issues
The team is also managing several injuries beyond Hughes, including key players like Dougie Hamilton and Evgenii Dadonov, who are nearing returns. The Devils anticipate all injured players will be back before the trade deadline.
Financially, the Devils are navigating a tight salary cap situation, currently operating with just over $1.75 million in daily cap space. They are under long-term injured reserve (LTIR) provisions, which limits their ability to create additional cap space without roster adjustments.
Looking Forward
Currently holding a record of 13-6-1, the Devils sit second in the Metropolitan Division. This strong start provides a buffer as they handle Hughes’ injury and explore enhancements to their lineup. Fitzgerald remains proactive on the trade front, looking to strengthen the team while assessing the contributions of existing players.
