New Jersey Devils' Luke Hughes Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve

The New Jersey Devils have placed defenseman Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to a shoulder injury sustained during a game against the Calgary Flames on January 19, 2026. The injury occurred when Hughes became entangled with Flames forward Justin Kirkland, leading to a dislocated shoulder. As a result of this placement on LTIR, Hughes is required to miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. He had already missed the subsequent game against the Edmonton Oilers, which the Devils won 2-1.

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes InjuryLuke Hughes placed on long-term injured reserve by DevilsDevils place Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserve

Hughes, 22, has been a crucial player for the Devils, leading the team in average ice time at 23:04 and contributing significantly with five goals and 21 assists for a total of 26 points in 49 games this season. Selected fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Hughes has accumulated 119 points (22 goals, 97 assists) over his NHL career thus far.

Devils place Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserveLuke Hughes placed on long-term injured reserve by DevilsHere’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

In response to Hughes' injury, the Devils recalled defenseman Colton White from the American Hockey League's Utica Comets. White, who has played 23 games for the Devils this season, will be expected to fill the gap left by Hughes during his absence. The Devils are currently in the midst of a four-game road trip, with their next game scheduled against the Vancouver Canucks.

Devils place Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserveLuke Hughes placed on long-term injured reserve by DevilsHere’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

The placement of Hughes on LTIR also has financial implications for the Devils. Under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, the team will receive salary cap relief of up to $3,817,293 while Hughes is on LTIR. If it is determined that Hughes will be out for the remainder of the season, the Devils would benefit from his full $9 million cap hit being removed from their payroll.

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While the Devils have not declared Hughes out for the entire season, ongoing evaluations are being conducted. Reports indicate that Hughes will not require surgery at this time and will focus on rehabilitation for his upper body injury. ESPN insider Emily Kaplan noted that Hughes is expected to be sidelined through the Olympic break, with further assessments to follow.

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

Some analysts have raised concerns regarding the impact of Hughes' absence on the Devils' playoff aspirations, given his pivotal role on the team. Critics argue that the loss of a leading defenseman could hinder the team's performance in a competitive Metropolitan Division.

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

• “ESPN insider Emily Kaplan later posted on X (formerly Twitter), “After consulting with doctors, Luke Hughes will not get surgery for now and instead rehab his upper body injury.” — Emily Kaplan, ESPN Insider

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

• “A source explained to New Jersey Hockey Now that the Devils are not at the point where they are prepared to declare Hughes out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.” — Source, New Jersey Hockey Now

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury

The New Jersey Devils will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge as they navigate the challenges posed by Hughes' injury.

Here’s the Latest on the Devils Luke Hughes Injury