As the New Jersey Devils gear up for a critical offseason, one of the most pressing concerns surrounding the franchise is the health and long-term durability of their franchise cornerstone, Jack Hughes. After yet another season cut short by a shoulder injury, the conversation around Hughes’ ability to stay on the ice has intensified—especially as the team eyes a deeper playoff run in 2025-26.
Tom Fitzgerald expresses measured optimism about Hughes’ recovery
Jack Hughes sustained his third shoulder injury in four seasons during a March 2 clash with the Vegas Golden Knights. Following a collision with Jack Eichel, Hughes was visibly in pain and exited the game. A few days later, he underwent season-ending surgery—a crushing blow to a Devils squad that eventually fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games during the first round of the playoffs.
At a recent press conference, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald addressed the growing anxiety surrounding Hughes’ injury history.
“Concern is a strong word; it’s not that you don’t think of that, but when you have a top player like that not playing, no one plays 100% of the games, but the top guys pretty much play a majority of the games. I’d like to think Jack’s shoulder injuries are behind him now. But you never know,” Fitzgerald said.
He emphasized Hughes’ commitment to his recovery and the work that lies ahead: “Jack knows the work that’s ahead of him this summer and where he needs to go, strength-wise and body makeup. And again, it’s not just snapping the fingers; there’s a process to that. And he’s been going through it,” he added.
Despite the injury setbacks, Hughes continues to prove he’s among the NHL ’s elite when on the ice. He registered 70 points in just 62 games this season, ranking 10th in the league in scoring before his injury—a pace that projected to a 93-point season.
Also Read: “Robbed!”: Lil Wayne rips NHL after no-call cost Golden Knights in dramatic OT loss against the Edmonton Oilers
With five years remaining on his $64 million deal, the Devils are clearly invested in Hughes as a long-term centerpiece. This offseason, both his health and the team’s roster decisions will be under the spotlight as they aim to build a more resilient core around him.
Tom Fitzgerald expresses measured optimism about Hughes’ recovery
Jack Hughes sustained his third shoulder injury in four seasons during a March 2 clash with the Vegas Golden Knights. Following a collision with Jack Eichel, Hughes was visibly in pain and exited the game. A few days later, he underwent season-ending surgery—a crushing blow to a Devils squad that eventually fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games during the first round of the playoffs.
At a recent press conference, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald addressed the growing anxiety surrounding Hughes’ injury history.
“Concern is a strong word; it’s not that you don’t think of that, but when you have a top player like that not playing, no one plays 100% of the games, but the top guys pretty much play a majority of the games. I’d like to think Jack’s shoulder injuries are behind him now. But you never know,” Fitzgerald said.
He emphasized Hughes’ commitment to his recovery and the work that lies ahead: “Jack knows the work that’s ahead of him this summer and where he needs to go, strength-wise and body makeup. And again, it’s not just snapping the fingers; there’s a process to that. And he’s been going through it,” he added.
Despite the injury setbacks, Hughes continues to prove he’s among the NHL ’s elite when on the ice. He registered 70 points in just 62 games this season, ranking 10th in the league in scoring before his injury—a pace that projected to a 93-point season.
Also Read: “Robbed!”: Lil Wayne rips NHL after no-call cost Golden Knights in dramatic OT loss against the Edmonton Oilers
With five years remaining on his $64 million deal, the Devils are clearly invested in Hughes as a long-term centerpiece. This offseason, both his health and the team’s roster decisions will be under the spotlight as they aim to build a more resilient core around him.
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