Devils Notebook: Hughes Progress Amidst Injury Concerns

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 5:26 GMT by National Hockey League
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Devils Notebook: Hughes Progress Offers Hope Amidst Injury Concerns - March 24, 2026

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils find themselves at a pivotal point in the season, navigating a challenging stretch of games while simultaneously managing a growing list of injuries. Today, March 24th, 2026, provides a snapshot of the team's status, focusing on key player updates, tactical adjustments, and the overall need for improved performance.

The most encouraging news undoubtedly centers around captain Jack Hughes. After being sidelined since February 11th with a lower-body injury, Hughes took a significant step forward on Sunday, participating in a full, untimed skate with the team. Head Coach Phil Housley described Hughes' progress as positive, emphasizing the player's dedication to his recovery. "He's pushing himself, and he's feeling good," Housley stated. While a concrete return date remains elusive, the fact that Hughes is back on the ice with his teammates is a clear indication that he's trending in the right direction. Hughes' absence has been acutely felt, impacting the Devils' offensive firepower and overall team dynamic. His return could be the catalyst needed to reignite their playoff push.

However, the positive Hughes update is tempered by ongoing injury concerns. Ondrej Pavelec continues to battle an upper-body injury, casting uncertainty over his availability for upcoming games. The Devils are proceeding with caution, prioritizing Pavelec's long-term health over a potentially premature return. Tyler Wotherspoon also remains sidelined with an upper-body injury, with no firm timeline established for his recovery. Adding to the injury woes is Nolan Foote, nursing a lower-body injury. This cumulative effect of injuries is placing a strain on the Devils' roster depth, forcing Coach Housley to rely on less experienced players and experiment with line combinations.

Speaking of line combinations, Housley has been actively shuffling his forward lines in practice, seeking to generate more offensive spark. A notable pairing sees Jesper Bratt skating alongside Dawson Mercer, aiming to combine Bratt's playmaking ability with Mercer's speed and scoring touch. Another adjustment involves Curtis Lazar centering Miles Wood, hoping to create a gritty, forechecking line capable of wearing down opponents. "We're just trying to find some chemistry," Housley explained. "We have a lot of talented players, and we want to see who can play well together." The coaching staff understands that finding the right line chemistry is crucial, especially given the team's recent offensive struggles. The fluidity of these lines is likely to continue as the Devils search for combinations that consistently produce results.

The need for improved performance is stark. The Devils have found themselves on a losing streak, and Coach Housley acknowledged the team's recent struggles. "We're not playing our best hockey right now," he admitted. He pinpointed key areas for improvement, calling for greater discipline, increased physicality, and enhanced focus. The team's defensive play has been inconsistent, leading to costly turnovers and breakdowns. Offensively, they've struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities, particularly in the face of tight defensive coverage. The Devils' penalty kill has also been underperforming, costing them valuable momentum in critical situations.

The upcoming game against the [Opponent Name] represents a crucial opportunity for the Devils to address these issues and get back on track. A win would not only break the losing streak but also provide a much-needed boost in confidence. The team is acutely aware of the challenges ahead, and they are determined to turn things around before it's too late. The Devils' playoff aspirations hang in the balance, and every game from here on out will be a battle. The team's success will depend on their ability to stay healthy, find the right line combinations, and execute their game plan with discipline and determination. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Devils can rise to the occasion and salvage their season.