The New Jersey Devils held their breath as their center Jack Hughes left Friday night’s game against the St. Louis Blues.
The American fell heavily against the boards behind the opposing net. Hughes stood up himself and ran to his team’s bench. He then even appeared on the ice, but retreated to the locker room in the following seconds.
Watch the video above.
The New Jersey team confirmed early in the second period that the 22-year-old skater had suffered an upper-body injury and would not be back in the game. After the game, head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that the star player’s health would be reassessed on Saturday.
The American leads the entire National Hockey League with 20 points in 10 games this season. This is only the second time in the 2023/24 season that he has not been on the scoresheet.
Hughes’ absence was felt by the Devils, who were defeated 4-1 in St. Louis. Kevin Hayes scored his first two goals for the Blues and goalkeeper Jordan Binnington blocked 32 shots. Jake Neighbors and Robert Thomas also lit up the lantern.
Curtis Lazar was New Jersey’s lone scorer, scoring late in the second period.
“I’m not going to lie, we were a little bummed out when it happened,” Lazar said of Hughes at a news conference. Then you have to move on when you realize he’s not coming back, and that’s okay. Others had to stand up.”
Devils players will enjoy a day off Saturday before facing the Blackhawks the next day in Chicago.