The New Jersey Devils are getting their star forward back on Tuesday night. Jack Hughes will return against the San Jose Sharks after missing the past 17 games due to a dislocated shoulder that he suffered against the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 19.
"He's ready to go," Devils head coach Lindy Ruff said on Tuesday afternoon.
Ruff also revealed that Hughes will likely play around 15 to 18 minutes against the Sharks. He should slide right back into his spot on the wing on the Devils' top line.
In two games prior to the injury, Hughes registered two goals and an assist. He produced a highlight reel overtime game-winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Devils' season opener. During the 2020-21 season, Hughes scored 11 goals and recorded 20 assists in 56 games.
The top pick in the 2019 NHL Draft has produced 55 points (20 goals and 35 assists) in his three professional seasons.
While it was a brief period, the Devils star was off to an impressive start and looked primed for a big season before getting injured. His return to the lineup should be a spark for a Devils team that has been inconsistent when it comes to putting the puck in the net.
On the season, New Jersey has 56 goals (2.9 goals-per-game), which ranks 21st in the NHL.