Jack Hughes Sidelined by Off-Ice Hand Injury

New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes is sidelined with a hand injury sustained off the ice during a team dinner on Thursday night, casting uncertainty over the team's strong start to the season.

The 24-year-old center, who leads the Devils in scoring, slipped and cut his hand in what multiple sources described as a fluke accident. The team confirmed Friday that Hughes is undergoing evaluation for the non-hockey-related injury and will not play in Saturday's road game against the Washington Capitals. "Jack Hughes is out with a non-hockey hand injury," the Devils stated on social media. "He is being evaluated, and we will provide an update as available." Hughes has returned to New Jersey for further assessment while the team travels for the matchup.

Hughes has been a driving force behind the Devils' 12-4-1 record, which places them atop the Metropolitan Division. In 17 games this season, he has tallied 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points, including two assists in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks. His production has helped solidify the top line and fueled optimism after a summer of recovery from prior shoulder surgeries.