.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.New Jacket Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will need in between 6 to eight weeks to recuperate coming from a shoulder injury he experienced previously this month, the team claimed Thursday.Hughes endured a left side shoulder accident during the course of offseason training. After being analyzed by the Devils' clinical team, it was calculated he would certainly not demand surgical treatment and also it could possibly take more than 6 weeks for him to recover.That timetable suggests Hughes will miss out on the Devils' 7 preseason games and their season-opening activities on Oct. 4 as well as Oct. 5 versus the Buffalo Grass Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he can return would certainly be actually the week of Oct. 20, which indicates the Devils would certainly possess presently played eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for even a short time frame follows he used his newbie campaign to strengthen why he's looked at some of the video game's brightest youthful celebrities. Hughes finished final season with six targets and also 47 points while also being one of 5 Adversaries to play in all 82 games.What Hughes achieved as a rookie caused him ending up third in Calder Trophy voting responsible for the possible victor, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, and also Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and also Faber were the only rookie defensemen who played all 82 activities final season. They were likewise matched for second among rookies in points with Bedard leading the game's first-year players with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually removed to return, he's assumed to be a critical component of the Devils' plannings to return to the playoffs. Hughes, that was the fourth choice of the 2021 NHL Draft, spent 2 years establishing at the College of Michigan, which likewise produced his bro Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain that is additionally the reigning Norris Trophy victor for the NHL's absolute best defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after 2 seasons as well as signed his entry-level contract with the Devils. It enabled him to join his bro as well as Devils alternate leader, Port, for the group's playoff operate during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.The Devils succeeded 52 activities in the course of the 2022-23 time and also accelerated to the playoffs for the very first time in 4 seasons. They opened along with a first-round success over the rival New york city Rangers in seven video games before dropping in the second around against the Carolina Hurricanes.Last time observed the Devils battle to find uniformity and also overlook the playoffs. It triggered them parting ways with crown instructor Lindy Ruff and choosing interim instructor Travis Eco-friendly before they after that employed past Toronto Maple Leafs trainer Sheldon Keefe in late May.