How Injuries Are Testing the Devils
The New Jersey Devils are facing a tough stretch as numerous players are out due to injuries in the past week, such as three crucial players: Jack Hughes, Cody Glass, and Brett Pesce. Losing such key contributors around the same time could derail any team’s season, but for the Devils, this is a test of resilience and system strength. While the absences are significant, they also present an opportunity for other players to step up and give players in the AHL affiliate team to prove they belong in the NHL. How New Jersey navigates these injuries could be a defining moment in their trajectory this season.
Jack Hughes, the team’s top center and one of its most defining playmakers, is expected to miss around eight weeks following surgery on his finger due to an injury off the ice. Prior to his injury, he had 10 goals and 10 assists in 17 games, showing how valuable he is offensively. With Hughes out, the Devils will need to rely more on their secondary scoring, and other forwards need to raise their game in order to fill the void. They need to emphasize a more balanced attack and could adjust line combinations to compensate for his absence.
Cody Glass’s injury adds another challenge to Jersey’s forwards. He was placed on injured reserve on Monday and is week-to-week with an upper-body issue. Glass has provided a lot of depth and scoring opportunities. Ethan Edwards has been recalled from the Utica Comets to play for the Devils while Glass is out. As the team moves forward, they need to focus on quick transitions and sharp forechecking in order to sustain the progress.
On the blue line, Brett Pesce sustained an upper-body injury on October 26th during their game against the Avalanche. He has been placed on long-term injured reserve and is expected to be out for at least a month. Pesce is known for his reliability on the ice, and without him, New Jersey’s defense may lack some of its composure in tight situations. However, there is a positive development for the Devils. Dougie Hamilton, who has been out with a lower-body injury, will be traveling with the team on their trip to Tampa, indicating that a potential return could be approaching.
Despite these significant losses, the Devils still have a chance to maintain their momentum. Their offensive strength and the blue line will be tested, but the pieces are in place for the other players to rise. Success will depend on strong play on each side of the ice and disciplined execution. If New Jersey can remain secure during these injuries, they will prove to the league that they are more than their key players.
