Penguins' Skinner to return from eye injury

Senators' Chabot also back, Devils' L. Hughes out for rest of season

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the abstract forms of hockey players in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the dynamic action of the game.Injuries and returns shake up the NHL playoff picture as teams make their final push.Newark Today

The NHL has released its latest status report, with several key player updates. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jeff Skinner is set to return to the lineup after missing time due to an eye injury. Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot will also be back on the ice, while New Jersey Devils forward Luke Hughes will miss the remainder of the season.

Why it matters

Player injuries can have a significant impact on team performance and playoff positioning in the NHL. The return of Skinner and Chabot will provide a boost to the Penguins and Senators, while the loss of Hughes is a setback for the Devils as they push for a postseason berth.

The details

Skinner suffered the eye injury in a game last month and has been sidelined since. The Penguins forward is expected to return to the lineup for their next game. Chabot has been out with an upper-body injury but is now cleared to play for the Senators. Meanwhile, the Devils will be without Luke Hughes for the rest of the season after he sustained a lower-body injury that will require surgery.

  • Skinner has been out since a game last month.
  • Chabot has missed time with an upper-body injury.
  • L. Hughes will miss the rest of the season for the Devils.

The players

Jeff Skinner

Forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who is set to return from an eye injury.

Thomas Chabot

Defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who will be back in the lineup after an upper-body injury.

Luke Hughes

Forward for the New Jersey Devils who will miss the remainder of the season due to a lower-body injury requiring surgery.

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The takeaway

These player injury updates will have a direct impact on the playoff races in the Eastern Conference, as the Penguins, Senators, and Devils all jockey for position in the standings.