Novel Jersey Devils Shut Down Luke Hughes for Shoulder Procedure

The New Jersey Devils have officially shut down defenseman Luke Hughes for the remainder of the season. The team announced on Thursday, April 9, 2026, that the 22-year-aged will undergo a procedure to jumpstart his rehabilitation process ahead of the off-season.

Addressing a Lingering Shoulder Injury

Although the Devils did not initially reveal the specific nature of the procedure, sources have confirmed that the surgery is related to a shoulder injury Hughes sustained earlier this year. On January 19, during a road game against the Calgary Flames, Hughes dislocated his shoulder after becoming tangled along the boards with Flames forward Justin Kirkland ([Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-devils-shutting-down-luke-145915765.html)).

At the time of the injury, Hughes was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). He initially opted to avoid surgery, choosing instead to rehabilitate the upper-body injury to make a mid-season return. He successfully returned to the lineup on February 28 in a game against the St. Louis Blues, missing a total of 10 games ([ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48438653/devils-shutting-d-man-luke-hughes-procedure)).

Impact on the Devils’ Roster

The decision to shut down Hughes comes after the New Jersey Devils were officially eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Tuesday ([Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-devils-shutting-down-luke-145915765.html)). With the team no longer in contention, the organization is prioritizing the long-term health of its young core.

The loss of Hughes creates immediate shifts in the Devils’ defensive rotation and special teams:

• Blueline Replacement: Dennis Cholowski will step in for Hughes on the defense.
• Power Play: Simon Nemec is expected to assume the No. 1 power play duties moving forward.

Season Review and Future Outlook

Despite the injury setback, Hughes completed his third full professional season with productive numbers. In 68 games, he recorded six goals and 35 points ([NJ Devils](https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/luke-hughes-shut-down-for-procedure-blog-4-9-26)). His value to the franchise was further cemented before the season began, when he signed a seven-year, $63 million contract extension ([ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48438653/devils-shutting-d-man-luke-hughes-procedure)).

By undergoing the procedure now, Hughes can start his off-season rehabilitation immediately. This proactive approach is designed to ensure he is fully recovered and ready for the start of training camp in September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Luke Hughes being shut down?

Hughes is undergoing a procedure to address a shoulder injury sustained in January to ensure he has a head start on his off-season rehabilitation.

When is Luke Hughes expected to return?

Sources indicate the expectation is for Hughes to be fully healthy and ready for the Devils’ training camp in September.

How did the injury occur?

Hughes dislocated his shoulder on January 19 during a game against the Calgary Flames after a collision with Justin Kirkland.