Jack Hughes, the star center for the New Jersey Devils, sustained an injury during a 2-0 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights after a collision with Jack Eichel. The incident occurred late in the game while Hughes was on a 2-on-1 break. The Devils’ head coach, Sheldon Keefe, expressed concern over Hughes’s condition, indicating that the team would take time to evaluate the injury. This season, Hughes has been a standout player for the Devils, leading the team in goals and points, which raises concerns for New Jersey's offensive strategy as they approach the trade deadline.

Hughes, 23, previously missed significant time due to injuries, having played 20 games less last season. His previous performance saw him earn 99 points in the 2021-22 season. The Devils have struggled offensively recently, and losing Hughes could significantly impact their playoff ambitions. The team is set to conclude a five-game road trip soon, bringing added urgency to their offensive woes amid Hughes's uncertain status.

In a critical moment during the final minutes of the third period, New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes collided with Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel, crashing hard into the boards behind the net of goalie Adin Hill. The incident left Hughes hunched over in pain as he skated to the bench, eventually heading to the locker room without a penalty being called.

Jack Hughes, currently leading the Devils with 27 goals and 70 points, was notably missing after his departure from the game against the Golden Knights. Head coach Sheldon Keefe reported that Hughes will undergo further evaluation following this concerning incident.

This incident could impact the Devils' upcoming match against the Dallas Stars, where they will need to rely on their depth if Hughes is sidelined. Hughes had entered the game riding a 12-game road point streak, amplifying the concern around his potential absence.

The New Jersey Devils showcased a stellar performance against the Nashville Predators, clinching a decisive 5-0 victory on February 23, 2025. This win propelled the Devils to a tie with the Carolina Hurricanes, both teams boasting 70 points in the Metropolitan Division standings. Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes were instrumental in this triumph, both setting franchise records. Bratt extended his assist streak to 10 games, breaking Petr Sykora's longstanding record, while Hughes established a new record for the longest road point streak at 10 games with an assist on Seamus Casey's second-period goal.

Both players have been prolific this season, each racking up 68 points in 59 games, underscoring their crucial roles in the team's success. The Devils' depth and star power suggest they are poised for a strong finish to the season.

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament is seeing some changes as Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, withdraws due to injury, allowing Jake Sanderson to step into the spotlight. Sanderson, only 22, takes Hughes' place and reunites with former teammate Brock Faber. Both players are now in a position to potentially compete in the Winter Olympics back-to-back.

While the U.S. mourns the loss of the Hughes brothers, Jack Hughes remains hopeful for Quinn's recovery as the Vancouver Canucks captain focuses on future performance. Meanwhile, Finland is grappling with its own loss, Miro Heiskanen, who is sidelined month-to-month, testing the team's defensive depth.

On the Canadian front, Drew Doughty, recovering from an injury, eagerly joins the national team while Linus Ullmark of Sweden is back from his own injury concerns, aiming to help his squad. As these teams adapt, the competition promises to be fierce.