The New Jersey Devils announced Thursday that defenseman Luke Hughes will miss six to eight weeks with a left shoulder injury.
The team announced Hughes' injury will not require surgery. Given the six-to-eight week timeline, Hughes is expected to return in early November, meaning he will miss about a month of the regular season.
The Devils will open their regular season in Europe with a two-game series against former coach Lindy Ruff's Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 4 and 5 in Prague.
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New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (No. 43) during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. (Kyle Ross – USA Today Sports)
The 21-year-old Hughes appeared in every game for the Devils last season, recording nine goals and 38 assists. He was named to the 2023-2024 NHL All-Rookie Team.
Hughes' younger brother, Jack, also a Devils player, underwent surgery on his right shoulder in April and is expected to return in time for the start of the season.
Jack Hughes recorded 74 points last season despite playing in just 62 games. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft recorded 27 goals and 47 assists in the injury-shortened 2023-2024 season.
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Luke Hughes makes an appearance on the red carpet prior to the start of the 2024 NHL Awards at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. (Stephen R. Silvani – USA Today Sports)
Luke, Jack and their brother Quinn Hughes appear on the cover of the EA Sports NHL 25 video game.
Quinn is coming off a season playing for the Vancouver Canucks in which he won the league's James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman.
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New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (No. 43) celebrates a goal by center Jack Hughes (No. 86) during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. (Steve Roberts – USA Today Sports)
Quinn had 17 goals and 75 assists for 95 points in 82 games.
Once healthy, Jack and Luke will be looking to lead the Devils back to the playoffs after a disappointing season with 38 wins, 39 losses and five ties.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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