Overview
- Head coach Sheldon Keefe said the medical staff was not confident in Hughes’ progress, listing him day-to-day and ruling him out of Thursday’s game against the Islanders.
- Multiple outlets citing The Athletic’s Michael Russo report Hughes is expected to travel to Italy and be available for the United States when the Olympic tournament begins next week.
- New Jersey fell 3-1 to the Islanders on Thursday and enters the break 28-27-2, with The Hockey Writers noting a 2.77% playoff chance and persistent finishing woes at 5-on-5.
- Seven Devils were recognized as Olympians before the game: Nico Hischier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Timo Meier, Jesper Bratt, Jacob Markstrom, Jack Hughes and Simon Nemec.
- Hughes has 12 goals and 24 assists in 36 games this season and recently told discouraged fans he has “nothing to say” as the team focuses on finding ways to win.