.Ryan S. Clark, NHL reporterSep 12, 2024, 02:13 PM ETCloseRyan S. Clark is an NHL press reporter for ESPN.New Shirt Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will definitely need between 6 to 8 full weeks to bounce back from a shoulder accident he experienced earlier this month, the crew stated Thursday.Hughes went through a nigh side shoulder injury during offseason training. After being analyzed by the Devils' clinical staff, it was actually established he would certainly certainly not demand surgery which it could take much more than six full weeks for him to recover.That timetable means Hughes would miss out on the Devils' seven preseason activities as well as their season-opening video games on Oct. 4 and also Oct. 5 versus the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. The earliest he could possibly return would certainly be actually the full week of Oct. twenty, which indicates the Devils would certainly have already participated in 8 regular-season games.Losing Hughes for even a brief time period follows he utilized his novice initiative to bolster why he's thought about among the activity's brightest youthful celebrities. Hughes completed final period along with 6 objectives as well as 47 factors while likewise being one of five Evil ones to play in all 82 games.What Hughes performed as a rookie led to him ending up third in Calder Trophy voting responsible for the eventual victor, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard, and also Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.Hughes as well as Faber were actually the only rookie defensemen that played all 82 video games last season. They were actually additionally matched for 2nd among rookies in points with Bedard leading the organization's first-year players along with 61 points.Once Hughes is actually removed to return, he is actually anticipated to become an essential portion of the Devils' strategies to return to the playoffs. Hughes, that was the fourth pick of the 2021 NHL Draught, devoted 2 years building at the College of Michigan, which additionally created his bro Quinn Hughes, the Vancouver Canucks captain that is actually also the reigning Norris Trophy victor for the NHL's absolute best defenseman.Hughes left behind Michigan after two periods and authorized his entry-level arrangement with the Devils. It permitted him to join his sibling and also Evil ones alternating leader, Port, for the team's playoff operate during the 2023 Stanley Mug playoffs.The Devils succeeded 52 games in the course of the 2022-23 season and also progressed to the playoffs for the first time in 4 times. They opened along with a first-round triumph over the rival Nyc Rangers in 7 games before losing in the second round versus the Carolina Hurricanes.Last time viewed the Devils struggle to find consistency and also skip the playoffs. It triggered them parting means along with crown trainer Lindy Ruff and employing acting trainer Travis Green just before they at that point chose past Toronto Walnut Leafs train Sheldon Keefe in late Might.