New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes has been placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) due to an upper-body injury, the team confirmed on Wednesday. According to sources close to the situation, Hughes will not undergo surgery at this time and has chosen a rehabilitation path for recovery.
The decision comes as Hughes continues to deal with an injury sustained earlier in the 2025–26 NHL season. While the exact nature of the injury has not been publicly disclosed, team officials and medical staff reportedly assessed that a non-surgical approach could allow for a full recovery without the risk factors commonly associated with operative procedures.
Hughes, 22, has been a regular contributor along the Devils’ blue line in his sophomore NHL season, showing steady development in both offensive and defensive roles. Prior to his placement on LTIR, he appeared in a significant number of games, logging important minutes and contributing to the team’s transition play.
The Devils will now be without a key figure on their defensive unit as the league heads into the second half of the season. With Hughes unavailable for an extended period because of LTIR protocols, New Jersey will likely look to its depth or consider potential roster adjustments to compensate for his absence.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has not provided a detailed timeline for Hughes’ return, but the rehabilitation plan suggests the team hopes he can rejoin the lineup later in the season, depending on his progress. The Devils remain optimistic that Hughes’ decision to avoid surgery will lead to a more efficient and effective recovery.
Hughes was selected fourth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by New Jersey and is regarded as a core part of the organization’s long-term plans. His development has been closely followed by fans and analysts, and his absence will be felt as the Devils aim to solidify their playoff positioning in the coming months.
No further updates were provided at the time of reporting, and the team is expected to monitor Hughes closely throughout his rehabilitation process.
