The New Jersey Devils secured a 2-1 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames on Monday, but the win came at a cost with defenseman Luke Hughes exiting due to a shoulder injury. Hughes, a key contributor with 26 points in 49 games, will miss the remainder of the team's West Coast road trip. Coach Sheldon Keefe indicated further evaluation post-trip, leaving the blue line in flux amid other adjustments.
The New Jersey Devils' defensive core is under strain following Luke Hughes' shoulder injury during their 2-1 overtime win over the Calgary Flames on Monday night. Hughes, one of the team's top puck carriers and transition players, left the game in the second period after tangling with Flames forward Justin Kirkland along the boards and did not return. Averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per night, his absence exacerbates existing challenges for a group already managing multiple injuries and rotations.
Simon Nemec stepped up decisively, scoring the overtime game-winning goal—his third such winner this season—providing a confidence boost for the young defenseman who has been in and out of the lineup due to a prior lower-body injury. Nemec's performance highlights his value as a puck-moving option capable of driving offense from the back end.
Johnathan Kovacevic, who returned from knee surgery on January 11 against the Winnipeg Jets, sat out the Calgary game as part of a cautious reintegration to avoid overload on back-to-back nights. With Hughes sidelined, Kovacevic is expected to see increased minutes and more consistent pairings.
Veteran Dougie Hamilton has been a stabilizing force, recording points in every game since re-entering the lineup amid trade rumors. He logged top-pair minutes and emphasized staying ready, as per coach Keefe. Hamilton's two-way play will be crucial during this period of uncertainty.
The Devils have won three of their last four games, including the Flames victory, but Hughes' injury adds instability ahead of their matchup with the Edmonton Oilers. As the trade deadline and Olympic break approach, the blue line's response could influence roster decisions. For now, the group balances opportunity and flux without one of its cornerstones.
