.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is actually an NHL press reporter for ESPN.New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will definitely require between six to 8 weeks to recoup coming from a shoulder accident he endured earlier this month, the group pointed out Thursday.Hughes suffered a nigh side shoulder trauma in the course of offseason training. After being actually examined due to the Devils' clinical staff, it was established he would certainly certainly not require surgical procedure and also it could possibly take more than six full weeks for him to recover.That timetable suggests Hughes will skip the Devils' 7 preseason games as well as their season-opening video games on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Grass Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he could return will be actually the week of Oct. 20, which implies the Devils will possess already participated in 8 regular-season games.Losing Hughes for also a short time period comes after he used his rookie project to enhance why he is actually looked at some of the game's brightest youthful celebrities. Hughes completed last season along with six goals as well as 47 points while likewise being just one of 5 Devils to play in every 82 games.What Hughes performed as a rookie resulted in him finishing third in Calder Prize ballot responsible for the eventual victor, Chicago Blackhawks facility Connor Bedard, and also Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and Faber were the only novice defensemen that participated in all 82 games last time. They were actually likewise tied for second amongst newbies in factors with Bedard leading the organization's first-year gamers along with 61 points.Once Hughes is cleared to return, he's expected to be an important component of the Devils' plans to go back to the playoffs. Hughes, that was the fourth pick of the 2021 NHL Draught, devoted 2 years creating at the University of Michigan, which likewise generated his sibling Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain that is actually additionally the ruling Norris Trophy winner for the NHL's greatest defenseman.Hughes left Michigan after pair of seasons as well as signed his entry-level agreement along with the Devils. It enabled him to join his brother and Devils alternating leader, Port, for the crew's playoff run during the course of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.The Devils gained 52 activities during the course of the 2022-23 period and advanced to the playoffs for the first time in four times. They opened up with a first-round victory over the rival The big apple Rangers in seven games before shedding in the second round versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last season observed the Devils battle to locate congruity and overlook the playoffs. It resulted in all of them parting techniques along with crown coach Lindy Ruff and also hiring acting trainer Travis Eco-friendly just before they then chose former Toronto Walnut Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe in old Might.