Overview
- New Jersey announced the 24-year-old center had successful finger surgery following a non-hockey hand injury sustained at a team dinner.
- Multiple outlets report the mishap was a fluke accident involving cut glass, with the team setting a six-week re-evaluation and an estimated eight-week return.
- The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, and Hughes did not travel for the Capitals game.
- Hughes leads the Devils with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 17 games, as the club sits 12-4-1 atop the Metropolitan Division despite other key injuries.
- USA Hockey faces a Dec. 31 roster deadline for the 2026 Olympics, creating uncertainty around Hughes’ availability given a projected mid-January return if recovery stays on schedule.