.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is actually an NHL reporter for ESPN.New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will definitely require between 6 to eight full weeks to recuperate from a shoulder injury he endured previously this month, the team pointed out Thursday.Hughes experienced a left side shoulder injury in the course of offseason training. After being evaluated by the Devils' medical staff, it was calculated he would certainly not require surgical procedure and that it could possibly take more than six weeks for him to recover.That timeline means Hughes will skip the Devils' 7 preseason games and their season-opening video games on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he might return would certainly be the full week of Oct. 20, which implies the Devils would possess actually participated in eight regular-season games.Losing Hughes for also a short time frame comes after he used his rookie initiative to strengthen why he's thought about one of the video game's brightest young stars. Hughes ended up last season along with 6 targets as well as 47 aspects while also being just one of 5 Evil ones to play in each 82 games.What Hughes performed as a rookie triggered him completing 3rd in Calder Trophy ballot responsible for the resulting victor, Chicago Blackhawks facility Connor Bedard, and also Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes and also Faber were the only newbie defensemen who participated in all 82 video games final period. They were also tied for 2nd one of newbies in aspects with Bedard leading the organization's first-year gamers with 61 points.Once Hughes is cleared to come back, he is actually assumed to be a critical component of the Devils' plans to return to the playoffs. Hughes, who was actually the fourth pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, spent 2 years establishing at the University of Michigan, which also produced his bro Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks leader that is additionally the ruling Norris Trophy champion for the NHL's best defenseman.Hughes left Michigan after pair of times and signed his entry-level agreement with the Devils. It allowed him to join his bro and Adversaries alternative captain, Jack, for the crew's playoff run during the course of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.The Devils won 52 games during the 2022-23 time and progressed to the playoffs for the very first time in four seasons. They opened up along with a first-round success over the rivalrous New york city Rangers in 7 activities just before shedding in the 2nd sphere versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last time found the Devils problem to find congruity as well as overlook the playoffs. It resulted in them parting means along with crown trainer Lindy Ruff and also hiring interim train Travis Eco-friendly before they then chose former Toronto Maple Leafs train Sheldon Keefe in old Might.