Jack Hughes Injury Update “Not Good”, Devils Make Deadline Pivot

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, “Hearing that Jack Hughes‘ injury is significant…wonder if it might turn Devils from buyers into sellers…” This could drastically change the Devils’ deadline plans knowing that they’ve got money to spend and will be without their top star.

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Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported on Wednesday morning:

As of Tuesday, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes was still getting second opinions on his upper-body injury and the best course of treatment. Either way, he’s expected to be out for a bit. Before the injury, the Devils were buyers — looking to shore up center and forward depth. I expect them to still look at forwards, especially ones that could help their biggest issue: 5-on-5 scoring. But given the circumstances, I now think they could be in on rentals, too.”

Hughes’ Injury Likely Keeps Him Out the Rest of the Regular Season

These reports suggest the Devils have found out that Hughes has suffered a significant shoulder injury and will miss the remainder of the regular season. This will potentially alter the team’s approach to the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

Hughes sustained the injury during the March 2 game against the Vegas Golden Knights, and while the full details remain unclear, expect the Devils to become buyers. They will likely jump head-first into the retail market with $8 million to spend.

Initially expected to make moves to bolster their playoff push, New Jersey may now consider trading major assets in an attempt to fill the hole left by Hughes’ absence and give the team the best roster possible for when Hughes returns, which is hopefully during the playoffs.

With the deadline just days away, the Devils must quickly figure out who they’re going after. Some big names are already off the board and while there are some options left out there that could be appealing, this is becoming a seller’s market.

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