Devils Jack Hughes Could Return Sooner Rather than Later, Report Says

The last time Jack Hughes was considered “week-to-week” in the 2022-23 regular season, he only missed four games.

This time, it appears it could be possible he misses just about the same amount of time. According to a report by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the New Jersey Devils could have Hughes back by Saturday when they face the New York Rangers.

“(The) Devils didn’t want to rule out Jack Hughes for Thursday vs (the Pittsburgh) Penguins, but strong chance he returns on Saturday vs the New York Rangers at home,” Kaplan posted to X (formerly Twitter). “Knowing what a competitor Hughes is, he’s fighting to get back for that rivalry game.”

The report by Kaplan on X followed a report she made on ESPN’s The Point.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Hughes wanting to return against the Devils’ biggest rival. The star forward often speaks to his love of playing in rivalry matchups against the Blueshirts.

Kaplan’s report follows the sentiment from Lindy Ruff that Hughes could join New Jersey on their two-game road trip this week. He won’t make it to Winnipeg on Tuesday when the Devils face the Jets. However, Ruff indicated that Highes might be able to join the team in Pittsburgh on Thursday ahead of their tilt with the Penguins. It could mean that Hughes is ready to get acclimated back into simulated line rushes before hitting the ice on Saturday at home against New York.

Regardless, it’s a positive development for the Devils who initially thought Hughes could miss months with his shoulder injury. Fortunately for the sputtering New Jersey club, they’re getting healthier with each passing day.

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