Devils' Jack Hughes Suffers Gruesome Shoulder Injury After Crashing Into Boards

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes suffered a devastating shoulder injury during Sunday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving fans and teammates alike visibly shaken.

During the third period, as the Devils tried to claw back into the game, Nico Hischier fired a shot, and Hughes went in for the rebound. In an unfortunate twist, he collided with Golden Knights star Jack Eichel and slammed into the boards with alarming force. Watching Hughes skate off the ice with his right arm hanging limply was enough to make even the toughest hockey fan wince.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t sugarcoat the situation, stating, "Obviously, it didn't look good. We're going to have to take the time to know the full extent of it. It's tough to see, especially since it’s a similar play he got called on earlier in the period."

The injury’s impact wasn’t just physical—Jack’s younger brother, Luke Hughes, was visibly emotional when he entered the locker room post-game, as reporters gathered for player interviews. The sight of Luke struggling to keep his composure was another stark reminder of how much this game is a family affair for the Hughes brothers.

Jack Hughes has been the cornerstone of the Devils' offense since his debut. This season alone, he’s led the team with 27 goals and 70 points, making his absence an undeniable blow to New Jersey. The Devils, who lost the game 2-0 to Vegas, now sit at 33-23-6 for the season and hold third place in the Metropolitan Division. With only two playoff appearances since their 2012 Stanley Cup Final run, this injury could not have come at a worse time for a team still fighting to regain its former glory.

As we await updates on Hughes’ condition, one thing is clear: the Devils have some soul-searching to do. Losing your star player in such a brutal fashion is a gut punch, both on and off the ice.