There’s no doubt across most sports that hockey is the most grueling and physical. Every year various players throughout the NHL miss playing time due to various injuries, whether that be short term or long term.
However, this season it appears as if these injuries are becoming more imminent and affecting super star players that are the focal point of their respective team’s offense.
Most recently, Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils announced that he would miss the rest of the season, including the playoffs, due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery.
On March 2, when the Devils played the Golden Knights, Hughes collided with Jack Eichel, a center for the Knights, resulting in him getting slammed into the boards.
Hughes got up on his own power but looked visibly in pain as he held onto his arm and exited down the tunnel with a trainer.
After a few days of missed games and various speculations from fans, Hughes announced on Instagram that he would miss the rest of the season.
“Some thoughts I wanted to share. Sports/Life can break you down, can be unfair. All the preparation, sacrifice, emotion, training, toughness you put into a year can be wasted within a matter of seconds,.” said Hughes in an Instagram post. “I am excited to work towards recovery so I can continue to pour my heart and soul into the game I love. Thanks to all my family, friends, teammates for your love and support. To all the devils fans and fans of mine, thank you and I look forward to doing what I enjoy most in front of you for many years to come.”
Devils fans across the world expressed their concern all over social media, as this injury occurred while the Devils are in a prime spot for playoff contention.
In addition to Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, an integral defenseman for the squad, also announced that he will miss the rest of the season due to injury.
With Hughes and Hamilton not at the squads’ disposal, it will be interesting to see how the Devils will fare throughout the rest of the season without their leading goal scorer.
Along with the Devils, the Boston Bruins have taken a hard hit with injuries as well.
Charlie McAvoy, who suffered a shoulder infection in the Four Nations Faceoff, will be away from the Bruins for an extended period of time. Especially with the trades and recent roster changes, including Brad Marchand being traded away, Bruins fans are also up in arms about how these injuries will affect their race to the playoffs.
All in all, this year injuries have been more prevalent in the league compared to past seasons. It will be interesting to see how the playoffs will end up, nonetheless, fans should get their popcorn ready.