Jack Hughes is nearing a return to the New Jersey Devils' lineup after missing the past month due to an injury. Hughes is 'really close' to playing again and has returned home to New Jersey to prepare for the second half of the NHL season. He expressed his optimism about returning earlier in the week. The team is hopeful that he can finish the year off strong. Hughes participated in some All-Star Weekend activities with his brother Quinn and was named to the All-Star team for the third season, but was ruled out for the skills competition and 3-on-3 tournament. The Devils, with Hughes as their second-leading scorer, are five points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after reaching the second round of the playoffs last year.