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Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils fell 5-1 to the New York Islanders in preseason on Friday night. Notably absent from the Devils lineup was star center Hughes, who was held out as a precaution by coach Sheldon Keefe.
After the loss, Keefe provided insight into Hughes' absence. He explained that Hughes had suffered a minor charley horse in the Devils' previous preseason contest. Although the injury wasn't serious, the team elected to exercise caution.
“He got a Charlie horse in the last game he played. It’s very minor,” Keefe told reporters post-game. “Obviously, he practiced today (Friday).
“So, if this is the regular season game, he’s absolutely playing. But, he’s of the mind that he wants to be certain that he’s 100% when we get to Prague. So we gave him the day here today. We expect him to be ready to go and ready to be Jack when we get to Prague.”
Despite sitting out Friday's contest, Jack Hughes made sure to get an on-ice workout in. After the Devils made their decision to rest their young star, Hughes stayed late and participated in extra drills with the team's secondary practice group.
Keefe also pointed out that Hughes will be back at full strength in time for the Devils' regular season opener overseas against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague on Oct. 4.
Jack Hughes talks about Devils chances this season
Jack Hughes, on the "NHL @TheRink" podcast this week, expressing his optimism about the team's prospects for the upcoming season.
The Devils missed the playoffs last season after racking up 112 points. Hughes' season ended early due to shoulder surgery, causing him to miss 20 games.
"I feel good and excited going into the year," Hughes said. "I feel like my body is in a really good spot. With how last season went, it was pretty frustrating personally not playing and the team not performing how we were supposed to.
"We definitely have a rejuvenated squad with new players and a new coaching staff. The guys who were there are excited to get back to where we were two years ago." he added.
After a disappointing 2023-24 season, Hughes is eager to bounce back under new coach Sheldon Keefe.
