Jack Hughes Injury Raises Concerns for Devils' Playoff Hopes

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes suffered a serious shoulder injury during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming games. The injury occurred late in the third period when Hughes collided with Jack Eichel and crashed into the boards, leaving him unable to continue. Head coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledged the severity of the situation but did not provide immediate details on the injury's extent, stating that Hughes would need to be evaluated. With Hughes leading the team in scoring with 70 points, his potential absence could significantly impact the Devils' playoff aspirations as they navigate the looming NHL trade deadline. The team may need to consider making trades to bolster their offensive lineup if Hughes' recovery takes longer than expected. The Devils currently hold a playoff position in the competitive Metropolitan Division, but losing Hughes is a substantial setback.