.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is actually an NHL media reporter for ESPN.New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes are going to need to have between 6 to 8 weeks to bounce back coming from a shoulder injury he endured earlier this month, the crew stated Thursday.Hughes endured a nigh side shoulder accident in the course of offseason training. After being actually evaluated due to the Devils' medical personnel, it was calculated he would certainly not call for surgery and that it might take greater than 6 full weeks for him to recover.That timetable means Hughes would certainly overlook the Devils' 7 preseason games and their season-opening activities on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he might come back would certainly be the full week of Oct. twenty, which implies the Devils would have currently played eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for even a short time frame follows he utilized his novice project to bolster why he's looked at one of the video game's brightest youthful celebrities. Hughes completed last season along with 6 targets and also 47 aspects while also being among 5 Evil ones to play in each 82 games.What Hughes accomplished as a newbie resulted in him finishing third in Calder Trophy ballot responsible for the ultimate victor, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and also Faber were the only rookie defensemen that played all 82 video games final time. They were actually also tied for 2nd amongst newbies in points along with Bedard leading the organization's first-year gamers along with 61 points.Once Hughes is gotten rid of to come back, he's assumed to become a vital portion of the Devils' plannings to return to the playoffs. Hughes, who was actually the 4th choice of the 2021 NHL Draft, spent 2 years cultivating at the College of Michigan, which likewise made his sibling Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks leader that is actually likewise the reigning Norris Trophy winner for the NHL's absolute best defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after two seasons and also authorized his entry-level arrangement along with the Devils. It permitted him to join his bro and also Adversaries alternate leader, Jack, for the crew's playoff run during the course of the 2023 Stanley Mug playoffs.The Devils won 52 games throughout the 2022-23 time as well as advanced to the playoffs for the very first time in 4 times. They opened up with a first-round triumph over the rival New York Rangers in seven video games before dropping in the 2nd around against the Carolina Hurricanes.Last time saw the Devils battle to discover uniformity and also miss out on the playoffs. It caused them parting methods with head trainer Lindy Ruff as well as choosing interim instructor Travis Eco-friendly prior to they after that tapped the services of past Toronto Walnut Leafs trainer Sheldon Keefe in old Might.