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Luke Hughes Returns to New Jersey Devils Practice After Injury

4 months agoUS
Luke Hughes Returns to New Jersey Devils Practice After InjurySource: nhl.com
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes has made a surprise return to practice following the Olympic break, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in January. His return provides a boost to the team as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.

Key Insights

Luke Hughes returned to practice with the Devils on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Hughes has been out since January 19 and is currently on Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR), making him eligible to return on February 28 against the St. Louis Blues.

Coach Sheldon Keefe expressed optimism about Hughes' progress, noting his participation in skating and passing drills.

The Devils recalled several players from Utica, including Lenni Hämeenaho, Dennis Cholowski, and Colton White, to bolster their roster during the Olympic break.

The team is using the break as a mini-training camp to prepare for the remainder of the season and improve their position in the standings.

Several Devils players, including Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Simon Nemec, Jesper Bratt, and Jack Hughes, are participating in the Winter Olympics.

In-Depth Analysis

Luke Hughes' early return to practice is a positive sign for the New Jersey Devils, who have faced numerous injuries this season. Although he cannot play games until Feb. 28, the opportunity to practice and work out 'the kinks' is valuable. The team is utilizing the Olympic break to refresh and prepare for the final push, with coach Keefe focusing on diagnosing past issues and making necessary adjustments. The recall of players from Utica addresses immediate roster needs, while the performance of Devils players in the Olympics offers additional storylines for fans to follow. The return of key players like Hughes could provide the Devils with a needed spark as they fight for a playoff spot.

FAQs

Q: When can Luke Hughes return to game action?

Luke Hughes is eligible to return on February 28 against the St. Louis Blues due to being on Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR).

Q: What is the team doing during the Olympic break?

The Devils are using the time as a mini-training camp to get back in shape and prepare for the remainder of the season.

Key Takeaways

Luke Hughes' return to practice signals a potential turnaround for the New Jersey Devils as they approach the final stretch of the season. His recovery, along with the team's strategic use of the Olympic break, offers hope for improved performance. Keep an eye on Hughes' progress and the team's adjustments as they aim to climb the standings.

Discussion

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