The NHL is eagerly anticipating the participation of New Jersey Devils star player, Jack Hughes, in the upcoming NHL All-Star Game and skills competition in Toronto. However, there are concerns surrounding his availability due to an undisclosed upper-body injury sustained during the Devils’ victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on January 5th. Despite this, the NHL remains hopeful that Hughes will be able to join the event, keeping their fingers crossed for his speedy recovery.
The Absence of Jack Hughes
Ever since his injury, Hughes has not returned to practice with the team prior to the All-Star break, leaving his participation in doubt. NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Hughes’ availability, stating, “We’re waiting on Jack, I know that Jack wants to play in the All-Star Game really badly. He continues to be evaluated. We’re hopeful, but we have no information as of right now as to whether or not Jack’s going to participate.”
A Prominent Role in All-Star Weekend
Hughes was originally expected to play a significant role in the All-Star Weekend in Toronto, serving as co-captain alongside his brother, Quinn Hughes, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks. The two brothers were scheduled to draft their team during a televised event on Thursday, adding to the excitement surrounding their involvement in the game. Hughes was also set to participate in a revamped skills competition on Friday night, where a $1 million winner-take-all prize awaits the victor.
The NHL is keen to keep the Hughes brothers as a team, even if Jack is unable to compete on the ice. Steve Mayer expressed this sentiment by saying, “We want him to be here in Toronto. He knows that. And so we’d like to keep Team Hughes [together] even if he doesn’t play.” The league values the brotherly connection and hopes to maintain their involvement in the event, regardless of Jack’s availability.
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald confirmed that regardless of whether Jack Hughes can play, he will still be attending the NHL All-Star Weekend. This demonstrates his commitment to being a part of the festivities and supporting his fellow players. Should Hughes be unable to compete in the skills competition and the All-Star Game, the NHL has plans to substitute another player in his place. Currently, Hughes is the sole representative from the Devils on the All-Star roster.
The NHL All-Star Game is scheduled to take place from February 1st to 3rd in Toronto, and fans eagerly await Jack Hughes’ participation. While his availability remains uncertain due to his upper-body injury, the league remains hopeful that he will recover in time to join the event. Even if Hughes is unable to compete, the NHL intends to keep him involved in the All-Star Weekend and celebrate the bond between the Hughes brothers. Only time will tell whether Jack Hughes will be able to showcase his skills on the ice during this highly anticipated event.
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