.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is actually an NHL media reporter for ESPN.New Shirt Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will need to have in between six to eight weeks to recoup coming from a shoulder injury he went through earlier this month, the crew pointed out Thursday.Hughes endured a left shoulder injury during the course of offseason training. After being analyzed due to the Devils' health care staff, it was actually determined he would certainly not demand surgery and that it could take much more than six weeks for him to recover.That timetable implies Hughes would skip the Devils' 7 preseason games as well as their season-opening games on Oct. 4 as well as Oct. 5 versus the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he could possibly return will be the week of Oct. 20, which implies the Devils will possess currently played eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for also a brief period follows he utilized his novice initiative to enhance why he is actually thought about among the activity's brightest youthful superstars. Hughes ended up final season with 6 goals and also 47 points while additionally being just one of five Devils to play in every 82 games.What Hughes performed as a novice brought about him finishing third in Calder Trophy ballot responsible for the ultimate champion, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, as well as Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes as well as Faber were the only rookie defensemen who played all 82 video games final period. They were additionally tied for second among newbies in aspects with Bedard leading the organization's first-year gamers along with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually cleared to return, he is actually anticipated to become a crucial portion of the Devils' strategies to go back to the playoffs. Hughes, who was the fourth choice of the 2021 NHL Draft, devoted two years creating at the College of Michigan, which likewise produced his sibling Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain who is actually also the reigning Norris Trophy champion for the NHL's best defenseman.Hughes left Michigan after two seasons and signed his entry-level contract along with the Devils. It enabled him to join his sibling and also Evil ones alternating leader, Port, for the group's playoff run in the course of the 2023 Stanley Mug playoffs.The Devils succeeded 52 video games throughout the 2022-23 period as well as advanced to the playoffs for the very first time in four times. They opened up along with a first-round triumph over the competing New york city Rangers in seven games just before dropping in the 2nd sphere versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last time found the Devils battle to locate uniformity as well as miss out on the playoffs. It led to them parting techniques along with head train Lindy Ruff as well as working with interim train Travis Eco-friendly just before they after that chose former Toronto Walnut Leafs instructor Sheldon Keefe in late May.