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New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes is not expected to play against the Washington Capitals because of an injury he suffered at the dinner table, not on the ice.
Hughes is believed to have fallen and cut his hand during a team dinner on Thursday, with several people calling it a “lucky accident,” according to Sportsnet. It is not known how long the 24-year-old will be out.
Hughes and the Devils have had a fantastic start to this season. The Devils are 12-4-1 and lead the Metropolitan Division.
Hughes has 20 points (10 goals and 10 assists) in 17 games played.
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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes waits for play to resume in the second period against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center in San Jose on Oct. 30, 2025. (David Gonzales/Imagn Images)
Hughes had two assists in the team’s 4-3 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
The young forward has been a productive player throughout his NHL career, but has struggled to stay on the ice due to injuries. Hughes has played more than 63 games in a season only once in his career, the 2022-2023 campaign.
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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes greets teammates after scoring in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 2, 2025. (William Liang/AP Photo)
That season was the best of his seven-year career. He had 43 goals and 56 assists in 78 games and made the All-Star team.
The two-time All-Star was strong last season for the Devils, scoring 27 goals and adding 43 assists in 62 games. The Orlando, Fla., native has averaged nearly a point per game. game in his career and accumulated 371 points in 385 career games.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the second period at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on November 10, 2025. (Ed Mulholland/Imagn Images)
If Hughes were to miss a significant amount of time, it would be a massive blow to the Devils.
They will look to win without their young star when they host the Capitals on the road at 7:00 PM ET Saturday.
