Devils Coach Provides Cryptic Update on Jack Hughes Injury

New Jersey's star center still being evaluated after leaving game with lower-body issue.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe provided a cryptic update on star center Jack Hughes, who suffered a lower-body injury after playing just 2:27 in the team's last game against the Nashville Predators. Keefe said Hughes is still being evaluated and the team will know more once he undergoes further imaging, leaving his status uncertain ahead of the team's upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators.

Why it matters

Hughes is a key player for the Devils, so any extended absence would be a major blow to the team's playoff hopes. With the Olympics coming up soon, the timing of this injury is also concerning as Hughes could potentially miss that international competition if the injury is serious.

The details

After the game against the Predators, Keefe said Hughes had tweaked something but they didn't think it was anything long-term. However, the latest update indicates Hughes is still being evaluated and the team is waiting on the results of further imaging to determine the extent of the injury and his timeline for a return.

  • On January 29, 2026, Hughes played just 3 shifts for 2:27 minutes before leaving the game against the Nashville Predators with a lower-body injury.
  • The Devils' next game is on January 31, 2026 against the Ottawa Senators.

The players

Jack Hughes

Star center for the New Jersey Devils who suffered a lower-body injury in the team's last game.

Sheldon Keefe

Head coach of the New Jersey Devils who provided the update on Hughes' injury status.

Cody Glass

Devils center who is also working his way back from a lower-body injury and is expected to travel with the team for their next game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The only update is that he's still getting evaluated. In the next little bit, he's going to get some imaging and get a better idea of what's happening. Until we have those results, we won't know his status in terms of travel and the situation going forward.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach

“Cody had a better day today when he skated, which is positive. He's going to travel with us. If he continues to progress then he could be available for tomorrow but we won't know until that time comes.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach

What’s next

The Devils will wait for the results of Jack Hughes' further imaging to determine the severity of his lower-body injury and whether he will be available for their next game against the Ottawa Senators on January 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This injury to Jack Hughes is a concerning development for the Devils, who are relying on their star center to help them make a playoff push. The timing is also tricky with the Olympics coming up soon. The team will have to wait for the results of Hughes' evaluation before knowing his status going forward.