New Jersey Devils star centre Jack Hughes exited Friday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks with an injury late in the third period.
After the Devils’ win, coach Lindy Ruff said he had no further update.
Hughes injured himself on an awkward fall as he was trying to enter the Blackhawks’ zone, appearing to catch an edge while trying to stop up within the zone. He was able to skate off on his own but did not return to the game.
Hughes became the second No. 1-overall pick to exit the game. Earlier, 2023 top pick Connor Bedard of the Blackhawks left with an injury after he was hit by Brendan Smith.
Hughes’ injury comes one day before the Devils host the Vancouver Canucks — a Saturday game featuring brothers Luke and Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes of Vancouver.
Jack Hughes leads the Devils with 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 31 games this season.
Hughes was named to the All-Star Game for the third year in a row on Thursday.
Picked first overall in the 2019 draft, Hughes had a career-high 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games last season.
