Devils News

EASTERN METROPOLITAN

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Cleared for Olympics

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) will be available for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Before the international break, Hughes missed three Devils games due to a lower-body injury. Nevertheless, following full practice on Sunday, he's ready to suit up alongside his brother Quinn. It's been a stop-start season for Hughes due to health issues, but he's been productive when on the ice, averaging a point per game. In 36 outings, Hughes has recorded 12 goals and 24 assists. On Sunday, Hughes worked on a line with Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson.

Feb 9

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Out Thursday

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the New York Islanders, missing a third consecutive game. After sitting out most of December with a hand injury, Hughes is dealing with a lower-body ailment. Hughes is scheduled to play for Team USA at the Olympics and will have an additional week to recover before the tournament opener against Latvia. The Devils have used Cody Glass in the top six since Hughes landed on the shelf. Before going scoreless in Tuesday's loss to Columbus, Glass had averaged a point per game over a 10-game stretch.

Feb 5

Nick Bjugstad • C • Devils

Devils Add Nick Bjugstad in Trade

The New Jersey Devils acquired center Nick Bjugstad from the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league forward Thomas Bordeleau and a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft pick. Bjugstad is moving on from St. Louis only a few months after signing a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the team as a free agent. He appeared in 35 games for the Blues, recording seven points (six goals, one assist) and 73 hits. Adding Bjugstad gives New Jersey more muscle and some additional depth at center. He will remain a bottom-six piece with his new squad.

Feb 4

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Misses Second Straight Game

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is forced to miss a second straight game due to a lower-body injury. It's possible Hughes can return for Thursday's tilt against the New York Islanders. "His goal is to play on Thursday, and he's trying to do everything that he can to get to that point," Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said. "But it's really up to the medical team. They're not confident with where he's at, but we'll just see what [Wednesday] brings." In Hughes' absence, Cody Glass will be part of the top-six group on Tuesday. Glass has had a good spell recently, averaging a point per game over his last 10 outings.

Feb 3

Nico Hischier • C • Devils

Nico Hischier a Game-Time Call Saturday

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (illness) missed the morning skate and will be a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators. He is battling an illness and could sit out his first game of the season. In 54 contests, Hischier has contributed 18 goals and 23 assists. The Devils have already ruled out Jack Hughes (lower) for Saturday, and Hischier's absence would leave the team thin at center. Dawson Mercer and Cody Glass (undisclosed) are expected to play larger roles on Saturday night.

Jan 31

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Won't Play Saturday

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) will miss Saturday's contest against the Ottawa Senators. He remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Dawson Mercer will move into the top six on Saturday, and there could be further changes among the forward group, depending on Nico Hischier's (illness) status. Cody Glass (undisclosed) will return from a one-game absence and could also have an expanded role against Ottawa.

Jan 31

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Exits With Lower-Body Injury Thursday

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) left Thursday's 3-2 overtime victory versus the Nashville Predators in the first period. Hughes took only three shifts in the game, heading to the locker room twice within the first 7:30 of action. His attempts to return may indicate the injury isn't serious. After the game, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe also suggested Hughes isn't dealing with anything serious. The team will re-evaluate the star forward on Friday. Hughes has missed a significant chunk of the season due to a hand injury, skating in only 36 games. He has recorded 12 goals and 24 assists. If Hughes is unable to suit up for Saturday's matchup with the Ottawa Senators, Nico Hischier will take over first-line center duties, while Dawson Mercer will also move up the lineup.

Jan 30

Cody Glass • C • Devils

Cody Glass Exits Early Tuesday Night

New Jersey Devils forward Cody Glass (undisclosed) couldn't finish Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets after blocking a shot. He was limited to 6:44 of ice time. According to Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, Glass attempted to return to the game, which suggests his injury isn't severe, and it's possible Glass won't have to miss time. The Devils will return to work on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Glass has scored 13 goals this season, putting him in a three-way tie for the second-most goals on his team. In 42 outings, he has also contributed five assists. Five of Glass' 18 points this season came during a recent two-game hot spell.

Jan 28

Luke Hughes • D • Devils

Devils Place Luke Hughes on Long-Term Injured Reserve

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) is facing a lengthy absence after the team placed him on long-term Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The move is retroactive to Monday, when Hughes injured his shoulder in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. A player on long-term Injured Reserve is required to miss at least 10 games and 24 days. Hughes' absence began on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. Brett Pesce and Jonas Siegenthaler led the blue line in ice time against Edmonton, while Dougie Hamilton logged the most power-play time. Johnathan Kovacevic took Hughes' spot in the lineup.

Jan 22

Luke Hughes • D • Devils

Luke Hughes Out Tuesday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (undisclosed) won't play on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. He was injured in Monday's overtime win against the Calgary Flames. Early reports suggest that Hughes will miss some time, although the team doesn't yet know the full extent of his injury. Hughes has been on track for his third consecutive 40-point campaign in 2025-26, recording five goals and 21 assists in 49 contests. Johnathan Kovacevic is expected to replace Hughes in the lineup on Tuesday night. He has a limited offensive arsenal and isn't a viable fantasy option.

Jan 21

Ondrej Palat • LW • Devils

Ondrej Palat Ready to Face Flames

New Jersey Devils left wing Ondrej Palat (illness) will be back in action on Monday against the Calgary Flames, returning from a one-game absence. The Czech veteran was a no-go on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes after feeling under the weather. Palat is projected to skate with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer on the second line. It has been a tough year for Palat, who has contributed only four goals and six assists in 47 appearances. He has landed on the score sheet just twice in his last 15 outings.

Jan 19

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Has Two Helpers in Losing Effort

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes registered two assists in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. He helped Cody Glass get a pair of second-period goals. Glass' second goal of the game put New Jersey 3-2 up, but Hughes' crew couldn't stop the rot. Bizarrely, New Jersey has gone 2-7-1 since getting Hughes back from a hand injury. The 24-year-old star forward has produced one goal and six assists in 10 outings since his return. Hughes won't be happy with his recent contributions, as he had a higher scoring rate before his injury. For the season, Hughes has recorded 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 27 games.

Jan 12

Stefan Noesen • RW • Devils

Stefan Noesen to Have Knee Surgery

New Jersey Devils winger Stefan Noesen (knee) will be out long-term after undergoing knee surgery next week. The veteran forward will be placed on Injured Reserve. Noesen has made 38 appearances this season, scoring three goals and seven points. His effectiveness has dropped off the cliff after Noesen was a 40-point guy a season ago. It's possible that Noesen's decline is related to his lingering knee injury, which he will now get fixed. The Devils announced that fellow forward Zack MacEwen (knee), who hasn't played since Nov. 12, also needed surgery and is out for the season.

Jan 11

Simon Nemec • D • Devils

Simon Nemec Back for Devils Thursday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (lower body) has been cleared to play on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 21-year-old has been out for 12 games due to a lower-body injury. Nemec's development has been one of only a few bright spots for the Devils during a frustrating season. He has recorded 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), 50 shots, and 46 blocks in 31 contests, averaging 20:03 of ice time. The Devils may initially limit Nemec's workload due to his long absence. He is projected to skate on the third defensive pairing on Thursday, joining forces with Brenden Dillon.

Jan 8

Dougie Hamilton • D • Devils

Dougie Hamilton Questionable Wednesday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (hand) is questionable to play on New Year's Eve against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He missed the end of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs after being slashed on the hand in the final minute. Hamilton has been among the biggest fantasy disappointments in 2025-26, settling for eight points (four goals, four assists) in 35 appearances. Tuesday's game marked his 16th consecutive outing without any points. Dennis Cholowski is expected to step in for Hamilton on Wednesday if necessary, though he offers no fantasy value.

Dec 31

Timo Meier • RW • Devils

Timo Meier Available Sunday

New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier (personal) will return to action on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. He has sat out five games for personal reasons. The Swiss forward has managed only one point in his last four appearances. However, Meier recorded a six-game point streak not long ago and has had a good bounce-back season. Across 30 outings, Meier has recorded 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) and 61 hits. He returns in a good matchup, facing a Sabres team that allows 29.9 shots and 3.35 goals per game.

Dec 21

Jack Hughes • C • Devils

Jack Hughes Returns From 18-Game Absence Sunday

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (hand) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. He has missed 18 games after sustaining a "freak" hand injury at a team dinner last month. Hughes is expected to slot back into the top-line center role and will work on the first power-play unit. Before his injury, Hughes showed fantastic form, notching 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 17 outings. He averages over four shots per contest and could have a very productive comeback game on Sunday against a team that allows the seventh-most goals in the NHL.

Dec 21

Brett Pesce • D • Devils

Brett Pesce Back in Action Wednesday

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce (upper body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. The 31-year-old has been out of action since late October due to an upper-body injury. Before suffering the injury, Pesce made nine appearances at the start of the season, recording three assists, eight shots, and 24 blocks with a plus-three rating. He makes a welcome return for a Devils team that has slipped to fifth in the Metropolitan Division. Pesce is set to link up with Luke Hughes on the second defensive pairing, bumping Dennis Cholowski out of the lineup.

Dec 17

Simon Nemec • D • Devils

Simon Nemec to Miss "Some Time"

New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (lower body) missed Saturday's win over the Anaheim Ducks and looks set for a multi-game absence. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said Nemec will miss "some time" after he was injured during Friday's practice. The Slovakian blue-liner is having a breakout campaign. He has registered 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), 50 shots, and 46 blocks in 31 contests this season. Dennis Cholowski took Nemec's spot in the lineup on Saturday, although he had a limited role and should not be considered for fantasy teams. In the game, Cholowski had one shot on goal and one block across 13:03 of action.

Dec 13

Timo Meier • RW • Devils

Timo Meier Takes Leave of Absence

New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier (personal) won't be in the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has taken a leave of absence to attend to a personal matter. The Swiss star may miss multiple games, as New Jersey has a back-to-back scheduled for the weekend. Meier has been the third-highest scoring Devil this season, posting 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 30 games. He is tied with Jesper Bratt for the most power-play points on the team (9). Paul Cotter will join the top-six group for Thursday's game. Cotter has not been a useful fantasy option in 2025-26, notching only seven points (three goals, four assists) in 30 appearances.

Dec 11

Devils News

LEGEND