The New Jersey Devils’ season has taken a sharp turn in the wrong direction. They now sit second-last in the Metropolitan Division with a 28-27-2 record and have dropped three straight games.
With their playoff hopes fading, an NHL analyst is urging the Devils to consider a drastic decision regarding Jack Hughes’ future.
Pressure Builds for Devils to Re-evaluate Jack Hughes
Hughes is expected to miss his third consecutive game after suffering a lower-body injury last Thursday against the Nashville Predators. When healthy, there’s no questioning his talent. He has produced 36 points (12 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games this season and remains one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players.
Hughes is currently in the fourth year of an eight-year, $64 million contract extension he signed in 2021, a deal meant to cement him as the face of the franchise. Instead, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his seasons, and the timing of this latest absence hasn’t sat well with observers.
NHL analyst Steve Politi noted that Hughes may be unavailable for crucial Devils games but could still be ready to represent Team USA at the upcoming Olympics in Milan, a situation that hasn’t gone over well in New Jersey. “They’re no doubt frustrated that the team’s top center missed these crucial games with a lower-body injury but apparently will arrive in Milan ready to go for Team USA’s first game next week,” Politi said.
That frustration has led Politi to question whether the Devils can continue to rely on Hughes as their franchise cornerstone. “The last few weeks also have raised some serious questions about this team’s core,” Politi said.
While the idea of trading Hughes once would have been laughable, Politi suggests it may no longer be off-limits. “The Devils can’t count on Hughes to stay on the ice, and for that reason, they can’t count on him as their franchise player. Before the season, the idea that the team might trade Hughes would be absurd. Maybe it still is. But you’d probably listen to the offer,” Politi added.
Hughes hasn’t exactly eased tensions with the fanbase either. When asked what he would say to fans who have already given up on the season, the Devils’ star appeared indifferent. “I honestly have nothing to say to them,” Hughes said. “For us, it’s just our group, we’ve got to figure out a way to win more hockey games.”
Those comments only added fuel to the fire for a fanbase desperate for accountability and direction.
For now, the Devils head into the Olympic break searching for answers. Their next game comes against the Buffalo Sabres on February 25, and by then, the questions surrounding Jack Hughes and the direction of the franchise may only be louder.
