Luke Hughes, the promising young defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, has taken a significant step forward in his recovery by returning to practice with the team. The 22-year-old blueliner had been sidelined since mid-January after suffering a shoulder injury that required placement on Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR). His presence back on the ice marks an encouraging development for both the player and the organization as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
The injury occurred during a game against the Calgary Flames on January 19 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Hughes left the contest midway through the second period and did not return for the third. Video footage from the game suggests the injury happened during a puck battle along the boards with Flames forwards Adam Klapka and Justin Kirkland. Initially, there was speculation about a hyperextended elbow, but subsequent reports confirmed that Hughes had suffered a dislocated shoulder—a significantly more serious injury that typically carries a recovery timeline of five to six months.
Despite the severity of such an injury, Hughes has made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation. The Devils' medical staff placed him on LTIR retroactive to the date of injury, making him eligible to return to game action on February 28. While he cannot participate in official games until that date, his return to practice represents a crucial milestone in his recovery journey.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe provided an optimistic update on Hughes' condition following the February 18 practice session in Newark. The team had resumed on-ice activities for non-Olympic players, and Hughes was among those skating. Keefe noted that the young defenseman had been back in the facility since the previous week, gradually increasing his activity level.
"He looks good. Today's more of a skating, passing & shooting type of day," Keefe told reporters. "We'll have to continue to monitor him & see where he's at ... He's been back in here since late last week."
The cautious approach reflects the organization's priority to ensure Hughes is fully recovered before rushing him back into the lineup. Shoulder injuries, particularly dislocations, can be problematic for hockey players who rely heavily on upper-body strength for checking, shooting, and maintaining puck battles along the boards. The Devils' training staff will undoubtedly continue to evaluate his progress daily, monitoring his range of motion, strength, and comfort level with contact.
Hughes' absence created a void on the Devils' blue line, prompting the team to recall defenseman Colton White from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets. White provided depth during Hughes' recovery period, but the return of the talented young star will be a welcome boost for a team looking to solidify its playoff positioning.
The timing of Hughes' recovery coincides with a critical juncture in the NHL calendar. With the league on hiatus for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the Devils have had time to regroup and prepare for the final push. New Jersey currently sits with 58 points and a 38-27-2 record in the Metropolitan Division, firmly in the playoff hunt but needing every point down the stretch.
Hughes' return to health could not come at a better time. The defenseman has established himself as a cornerstone of the Devils' future since being drafted by the organization. In just 204 career games, the 22-year-old has accumulated an impressive 119 points (22 goals and 97 assists), showcasing the offensive skill and vision that made him a highly touted prospect. His ability to quarterback the power play and transition the puck up ice has become integral to New Jersey's system.
The 2025-26 season had been another strong campaign for Hughes before the injury, with 26 points in the games he played. His production from the back end provides the Devils with a dynamic element that few teams can match, especially given his age and potential for continued growth.
The organization's commitment to Hughes was evident last October when they signed him to a seven-year contract extension worth $63 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $9 million, was negotiated while Hughes was a restricted free agent and solidified his place as a foundational piece of the franchise's long-term plans. That investment underscores how vital he is to the Devils' success both now and in the years ahead.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Hughes comes from one of hockey's most prominent families. He is the youngest of three brothers currently playing in the NHL. His older brother Jack Hughes, a forward, is also a member of the Devils and has developed into one of the league's elite offensive talents. The middle brother, Quinn Hughes, serves as captain of the Minnesota Wild and is widely regarded as one of the NHL's premier defensemen.
The Hughes brothers' impact on American hockey cannot be overstated. All three are representing their country at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with Jack and Quinn currently competing for Team USA in Milano Cortina. The United States squad has advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Sweden in a crucial matchup. The Americans are seeking their first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the historic "Miracle on Ice" victory in 1980, and the Hughes brothers figure prominently in those hopes.
While Luke recovers in New Jersey, his brothers continue their quest for gold in Italy. The family connection adds an emotional layer to Luke's recovery, as the three siblings share a deep bond both on and off the ice. Their parents must be managing a mix of pride and anxiety, with two sons competing on the world stage while the youngest works his way back from injury.
The Devils' schedule resumes on February 25 when they host the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center. While Hughes will not be eligible to play in that contest, his continued participation in practices will be crucial for his conditioning and timing. The February 28 game against the Philadelphia Flyers represents the earliest possible return date, though the team has not confirmed whether he will be ready to play at that time.
New Jersey's playoff positioning makes Hughes' return all the more important. In the tightly contested Metropolitan Division, every point matters, and having a player of Hughes' caliber back in the lineup could be the difference between securing home-ice advantage in the first round or facing a more difficult path through the postseason. His ability to generate offense from the blue line and stabilize the defensive corps will be invaluable assets as the Devils navigate the final month of the regular season.
The organization's handling of Hughes' injury demonstrates a modern approach to player health and long-term asset management. Rather than rushing a young, cornerstone player back into action, the Devils have utilized the LTIR designation effectively, allowing Hughes to recover properly while maintaining roster flexibility. This patient strategy prioritizes the player's career longevity over short-term gains, a philosophy that has become increasingly common among successful NHL franchises.
As Hughes continues to progress in his recovery, Devils fans have reason for optimism. The sight of him skating, passing, and shooting at practice provides tangible evidence that their young star is nearing a return to game action. His journey from dislocated shoulder to the cusp of comeback serves as a testament to modern sports medicine and the dedication of both player and medical staff.
The coming days will be critical as Hughes ramps up his activity level and potentially begins participating in contact drills. The Devils' coaching and medical staff will monitor his progress closely, ensuring that when he does step back onto the ice for a regular-season game, he is physically and mentally prepared for the demands of NHL competition.
For now, the organization and its supporters can take solace in the positive signs emanating from Newark. Luke Hughes is back on the ice, and while the final hurdles of his recovery remain, the finish line is in sight. His return will not only bolster the Devils' playoff push but also reunite the Hughes brothers under the NHL banner, with all three healthy and contributing at the highest level of hockey—a scenario that seemed uncertain when Luke crumpled to the ice in Calgary over a month ago.