Jack Hughes has been central to the New Jersey Devils’ progress this season, and his sudden absence comes at a challenging moment. His presence usually sets the rhythm of their game, so this setback naturally adds pressure on a team already dealing with several injuries.
As the Devils regroup and try to move forward, an unexpected storyline has taken shape away from the rink. What happened in Chicago has now become a talking point among fans, creating a sharp and surprising shift in attention.
Why Are Devils Fans Targeting a Chicago Restaurant After Jack Hughes’ Injury?
Jack Hughes’ hand injury, suffered during a team dinner in Chicago, has quickly turned into one of the strangest moments of the Devils’ season. The accident happened at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, where Hughes reportedly slipped and cut his hand during the meal. The cut required surgery, and the recovery timeline places him out for up to two months, with another evaluation planned in six weeks.
Before the injury, he led New Jersey with 20 points in 17 games. The team stressed that the incident was nothing more than a freak accident. Coach Sheldon Keefe added that those present, including players and staff, viewed it as a case of bad luck, and the focus is now on getting Hughes healthy.
“Talked to the players who were there, members of our training and equipment staff that were there as well, and very unfortunate situation. More bad luck than anything. We’re satisfied with that, and we’ll just make sure we can do what we can to get Jack better,” Keefe said.
While the Devils moved into recovery mode, fans took the story in another direction. The Yelp page for Chicago Cut Steakhouse was soon filled with angry and humorous reviews written by Devils supporters. These reviews were not about placing real blame but about venting frustration through humor and loyalty.
One fan wrote that the restaurant “tried to cut off Jack Hughes’ finger with a glass.”
Another posted a mock complaint saying they “cut my hand on some glass and had to get surgery,” all while referencing Hughes’ timeline.
Others warned visitors to “watch out,” insisting the venue had “hurt a hockey player.”
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Hughes’ importance to the Devils explains the reaction. Drafted first overall in 2019, he has long been viewed as the face of the franchise. He is in the middle of an eight-year, $64 million contract that keeps him with New Jersey through the 2029-30 season. The 24-year-old’s start to the year highlights his importance, with 10 goals, 10 assists, and averaging 21 minutes per game.