Jack Hughes hand injury return to Devils lineup against Buffalo Sabres: A five-week recovery timeline

Timeline of Jack Hughes’ hand injury and recovery

The incident that sidelined the Devils’ cornerstone player occurred during what should have been a routine team bonding dinner in Chicago. According to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Hughes slipped and fell onto a broken piece of glass, resulting in a deep gash on his finger. The team initially described it as a “freak accident”—a characterization that has stuck throughout his recovery process.

The initial diagnosis and surgery

Immediately following the incident, Hughes underwent surgery performed by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. The medical team provided an initial recovery window of eight weeks, which would have sidelined him until mid-January and caused him to miss approximately 27 games. One source indicated that Hughes avoided a worst-case scenario and could have been out “much longer,” suggesting the damage was significant but not catastrophic.

The Devils organization released a statement confirming the surgery and timeline, sending ripples of concern through the fanbase. After all, Hughes had been enjoying a spectacular start to the season, posting 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in just 17 games and helping propel New Jersey to the top of the Metropolitan Division with a 12-4-1 record.

Accelerated rehabilitation process

What makes Hughes’ return particularly remarkable is the accelerated timeline. Returning after just over five weeks instead of the projected eight demonstrates both his dedication to rehabilitation and what appears to be exceptional healing progress. Hughes has been spotted skating throughout his recovery period, gradually increasing his activity level before finally rejoining practice on Sunday morning at an optional skate.

“Yeah, I’m going to play tonight. Might as well ease my way in,” Hughes joked after practice, displaying the confidence and lightheartedness that has made him a fan favorite in Newark.

Impact on the Devils’ performance and playoff positioning

The timing of Hughes’ return couldn’t be more crucial for a Devils team that has navigated treacherous waters during his absence. While New Jersey struggled offensively without their star center, they managed to remain competitive in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.

Offensive production with and without Hughes

The statistical contrast between the Devils with and without Hughes is stark and telling. With Hughes in the lineup, New Jersey averaged 3.35 goals per game and posted an impressive 12-4-1 record (.735 points percentage), which ranked second-best in the entire NHL behind only the Colorado Avalanche.

Without him, the offense sputtered significantly, averaging just 2.28 goals per game. The team’s record during his 18-game absence was 8-10-0 (.444), a noticeable drop-off that had coaches and management concerned about the team’s ability to maintain its playoff positioning.

Maintaining playoff positioning

Despite the offensive struggles, the Devils deserve credit for weathering the storm. Entering Sunday’s matchup against Buffalo, they’ve managed to cling to the second wild card spot in the East, trailing the Washington Capitals by just one point for second place in the Metropolitan Division. This resilience has kept their playoff hopes alive and ensured Hughes returns to a team still very much in the hunt.

Coach Sheldon Keefe acknowledged the challenge his team faced: “It’s a big hole. You look at Jack out in addition to Cody Glass… It’s a big hole. So, yeah, it’s a big hole. It’s a concern. We’ve got to manage it best we can. I’m confident we can.”

Jack Hughes return to Devils lineup against Buffalo Sabres: Three key players back

Hughes isn’t the only significant return for Sunday’s game, which adds to the optimism surrounding the Devils. The team will ice a much more complete lineup against a Buffalo Sabres squad that enters on a five-game winning streak.

Timo Meier and Arseny Gritsyuk also set to return

Forward Timo Meier returns after missing time due to a family matter. The veteran winger has been productive this season with 11 goals and 12 assists (23 points) in 30 games, providing secondary scoring and physical presence that the Devils sorely missed. Meanwhile, rookie Arseny Gritsyuk returns after sitting out four games with an injury of his own. The young forward has impressed with 16 points in 31 games, demonstrating why the Devils have high hopes for his development.

“To come back from the road trip and to have those guys in the building and then on the ice, it gives the [team] a boost,” Keefe said Sunday. “There’s an emotional impact.”

Ticket demand and fan excitement

The impact of Hughes’ return extends beyond the locker room. From the moment he stepped onto the ice for practice, ticket inventory for Sunday’s game began rapidly decreasing. The Prudential Center is expected to be at full capacity with 16,514 fans eager to witness the comeback. As Hughes himself said in 2024, “People pay to watch him play,” and that statement has never rung truer than on this Sunday night.

Broader implications: Olympic considerations and family dynamics

Beyond the immediate impact on the Devils’ season, Hughes’ return carries significance for international competition and provides insight into recent family developments that have dominated NHL headlines.

Team USA Olympic preparations

With the Winter Olympics approaching in February 2026, Hughes’ timely return ensures he’ll have adequate time to ramp up his conditioning before representing Team USA. The U.S. squad begins Olympic competition on Thursday, February 12th, and having their star forward at full strength will be critical to their medal aspirations.

The accelerated recovery timeline essentially gifts Hughes an additional three weeks of preparation time he wasn’t expecting, allowing him to regain his rhythm and chemistry with teammates before the midseason international break.

The Quinn Hughes trade subplot

Sunday’s game also marked the first time Jack Hughes faced questions about his brother, star defenseman Quinn Hughes, being traded to the Minnesota Wild last week. The trade sent shockwaves through the hockey world, particularly because many speculated that Vancouver might trade Quinn to New Jersey to unite all three Hughes brothers (Jack, Quinn, and Luke all play for the Devils).

Sources told ESPN that the Canucks did approach the Devils about acquiring Quinn, but ultimately opted for Minnesota’s package of center Marco Rossi, forward Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick.

“It happened fast,” Jack Hughes said of the trade, acknowledging there was “a little bit” of disappointment that the three brothers wouldn’t be united. “I think he’s happy in Minnesota now. They have a great team there and they’re playing well… We’re happy for him.”

This subplot adds an intriguing layer to Hughes’ return, as he’ll now potentially face his brother Quinn in a different uniform if both teams progress in the playoffs or in future regular-season matchups.

What Jack Hughes return means for the Devils’ championship aspirations

The significance of Hughes’ return extends far beyond a single game against Buffalo. His presence transforms the Devils from a borderline playoff team into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, fundamentally altering how opponents must prepare for New Jersey.

Offensive system restoration

Hughes’ unique skill set as a top-line center drives the entire Devils’ offensive system. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability create space for teammates and force opposing defenses to account for him on every shift. The 3.35 goals per game average with Hughes versus 2.28 without him isn’t just a statistical anomaly—it’s evidence of his irreplaceable role in the team’s structure.

His return should immediately boost the production of linemates and create more favorable matchups throughout the lineup. Players like Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier, who faced heightened defensive attention during Hughes’ absence, should benefit from the reduced pressure.

Mental and emotional lift

Beyond the tactical advantages, Hughes’ return provides an immeasurable mental and emotional boost to a team that has been grinding through a difficult stretch. The knowledge that your best player is back in the lineup can re-energize a fatigued roster and provide renewed confidence for the stretch run.

Coach Keefe’s challenge will be channeling that positive energy effectively while ensuring the team doesn’t become overly reliant on their returning stars. The players who stepped up during Hughes’ absence must continue contributing at a high level rather than deferring to the returning stars.

Looking ahead: A manageable schedule

The timing of Hughes’ return also aligns favorably with New Jersey’s upcoming schedule. While the Devils faced several elite teams during his absence—including the Golden Knights, Mammoth, Ducks, Stars, and Hurricanes—the upcoming slate provides opportunities to accumulate points and build momentum with their restored lineup.

If Hughes can stay healthy and quickly return to his point-per-game pace, the Devils have a realistic path to not just securing a playoff spot but potentially climbing into the top three of the Metropolitan Division. With the Capitals just one point ahead and games in hand, New Jersey controls its destiny.

Jack Hughes’ return to the Devils lineup against the Buffalo Sabres represents more than just the end of an injury absence—it’s the potential turning point in New Jersey’s season. After five weeks of rehabilitation and an accelerated recovery that beat medical timelines by nearly three weeks, Hughes is poised to remind the NHL why he’s considered one of the league’s premier talents. The Devils’ playoff hopes, once flickering uncertainly, now burn much brighter with their superstar center back where he belongs: center stage at the Prudential Center.