.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will definitely need in between 6 to eight weeks to recuperate from a shoulder personal injury he went through previously this month, the staff stated Thursday.Hughes endured a nigh side shoulder trauma in the course of offseason instruction. After being actually reviewed due to the Devils' medical team, it was actually determined he will not demand surgical operation which it might take greater than six weeks for him to recover.That timeline means Hughes would miss the Devils' 7 preseason games and their season-opening games on Oct. 4 and also Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Grass Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he can come back would certainly be the full week of Oct. 20, which means the Devils would certainly have presently played eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for also a brief period happens after he used his rookie campaign to strengthen why he's considered some of the activity's brightest youthful stars. Hughes finished last season with six targets and 47 factors while also being just one of five Devils to play in every 82 games.What Hughes completed as a newbie caused him completing 3rd in Calder Trophy ballot behind the ultimate champion, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, and also Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and also Faber were actually the only novice defensemen who played all 82 activities last time. They were additionally matched for second amongst novices in aspects along with Bedard leading the game's first-year gamers with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually removed to return, he's expected to become an important aspect of the Devils' programs to go back to the playoffs. Hughes, that was actually the 4th selection of the 2021 NHL Draft, invested two years developing at the University of Michigan, which additionally generated his bro Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain who is actually also the reigning Norris Prize winner for the NHL's absolute best defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after two periods and authorized his entry-level contract with the Devils. It allowed him to join his brother as well as Adversaries alternative leader, Jack, for the staff's playoff run during the course of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.The Devils won 52 activities throughout the 2022-23 season as well as accelerated to the playoffs for the first time in 4 times. They opened up with a first-round triumph over the rival New york city Rangers in seven video games prior to losing in the 2nd round versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last season found the Devils problem to locate consistency and skip the playoffs. It triggered all of them parting ways with head instructor Lindy Ruff as well as employing interim coach Travis Eco-friendly just before they after that chose past Toronto Maple Leafs instructor Sheldon Keefe in late Might.