Dinner cost the Devils more than just a check.
New Jersey forward Jack Hughes underwent surgery on his finger and is expected to be out eight weeks, the team announced Saturday.
The Devils plan to re-evaluate his status in six weeks.
The news of Hughes’ procedure at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York comes one day after multiple reports emerged that Hughes was injured in a “freak accident” at a team dinner on Thursday. ESPN reported Saturday that the accident involved glass.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the second period at Prudential Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
But how he injured his finger is still not clear.
Hughes, 24, has been one of the brightest stars in the league when healthy since getting drafted first overall in 2019, and that was evident this season with his 10 goals and 10 assists through 17 games.
But staying on the ice has been a continual issue for Hughes.
In 2024 and 2025, Hughes underwent shoulder surgeries, limiting him to just 62 games in both seasons. He was also forced to miss 17 contests during his sophomore NHL campaign with a dislocated shoulder.
The finger injury not only hurts the Devils, but it also puts USA Hockey in a tough spot ahead of the NHL’s return to the Olympics. Hughes, who suited up for the Americans in this year’s 4 Nations Face-off, has long been viewed as a skater expected to be included on the Olympic roster.
New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) blocks New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) during the second period at the Prudential Center, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Newark, NJ. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
But with a Dec. 31 deadline, Team USA could face a tough choice over Hughes and whether he’s healthy enough for the Milano Cortina Games.
Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Jack’s brother, was one of the first six players named to the roster in June.