The Devils put star center Jack Hughes on IR Thursday morning after the 20-year old dislocated his shoulder in a 4-2 win over Seattle Tuesday night.
In a statement, the team said that an MRI revealed no further damage and Hughes doesn’t need surgery. No timeline for his return was given.
Hughes, who had 11 goals and 20 assists last season, was off to a red-hot start. He scored two goals, including the overtime winner, in the Devils’ opener against the Blackhawks, and had an assist and four takeaways against Seattle before leaving the game. He played just 7:42 before Jeremy Lauzon hit him into the corner boards, resulting in an awkward fall on his shoulder.
“I watched the hit and I don’t like the way he fell,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff told reporters after the game. “The hit itself, I couldn’t find a lot that I would have to criticize. It’s just, when he went down, I’ve had my share of shoulder injuries, and I know when you stick your arm out, something bad can happen.”
In a corresponding roster move, the Devils recalled goaltender Nico Dawes from Utica. Thursday’s statement said Hughes has begun physical therapy.
The Devils play again on Thursday night against Washington.