Can Jack Hughes Finally Stay Healthy for a Full NHL Season?

Written By Gina Anton

Jack Hughes has established himself as one of the NHL’s most talented young stars, but staying healthy for a full season has remained a challenge. As the New Jersey Devils prepare for 2026-27, the biggest question may be whether Hughes can finally put together a complete season without a major injury.

Hughes missed 25 games during the 2024-25 season after undergoing shoulder surgery on March 5. The injury also kept him out for all five of the Devils’ playoff games, ending his season earlier than expected.

The season before, Hughes was sidelined twice in 2023-24, missing a total of 16 games. On April 9, 2024, the Devils announced that he would miss the final four regular-season games to undergo shoulder surgery.

His injury history goes back even further. During his second NHL season, Hughes was placed on injured reserve after dislocating his left shoulder and missed 17 games.

Hughes also enters the 2026-27 season coming off one of the biggest moments of his career. At the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, he scored the overtime “Golden Goal” against Canada to give Team USA its first men’s hockey gold medal since 1980. He also recorded 77 points last season, including 27 goals and 50 assists, showing what he can accomplish when he is healthy and on the ice.

Despite those setbacks, Hughes has consistently shown a desire to get back on the ice. After suffering an injury this past season, he remained focused on taking his recovery one day at a time.

“I feel good. Just taking it day by day and seeing how I feel,” Hughes said.

Hughes also made it clear that returning before the Olympics was his goal.

“Obviously, that’s the goal. I’d like to be (back). It’s day by day. It’s seeing how I feel each day.”

That determination has been evident throughout Hughes’ career, but his injury history also highlights the importance of giving his body enough time to recover. Returning quickly is one thing; staying healthy once he returns is another.

There is no question about Hughes’ ability when he is on the ice. The challenge has been keeping him there consistently. If he can stay healthy throughout the 2026-27 season, the Devils could finally see what their star center can do over a full year without another major interruption.

For New Jersey, that could make all the difference.