9 Players Linked To Devils As Short-Term Replacements For Jack Hughes
Hughes suffered a serious finger injury in what the team called a freak accident at a team dinner, requiring surgery and leaving New Jersey without its leading scorer. The timing could not be worse for a team that opened the season 12-4-1 and climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Internal replacement options exist, but they do not inspire confidence, and pressure is heavy to avoid letting the early momentum slip away.
The Devils announced Jack Hughes underwent surgery on his finger and will be sidelined for roughly 8 weeks pic.twitter.com/8hlH50fZJi
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 15, 2025
Devils Face Pressure To Act Fast On Trade Market
With Dawson Mercer shifting to second line center behind Nico Hischier, the Devils will try to survive short term with a patched center group that includes Mercer, Hischier, Luke Glendening and Juho Lammikko.
It is serviceable at best, and injuries have already forced constant reshuffling. Analysts around the league, including Peter Baugh of The Athletic and James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now, believe waiting is risky.
Jack Hughes out after cutting himself at a team dinner with Frank the Tank is one of the most outrageous headlines in hockey history
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) November 14, 2025
Both point toward the possibility of a short term Devils trade, with Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators and Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames among the most mentioned options. Jean Gabriel Pageau of the New York Islanders is another name circulating, although his availability remains uncertain as long as the Islanders stay in playoff position.
Possible Devils Trade Targets If Center Market Stalls
If the Devils cannot locate an affordable center rental, exploring winger upgrades may be the fallback approach.
Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks and Jason Dickinson of the Chicago Blackhawks are realistic fits, especially if either team retains salary.
Jack Hughes at team dinners pic.twitter.com/Hegshle7ft
— The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63) November 14, 2025
Additional depth options include Michael McCarron or Tyson Jost from the Nashville Predators and Blake Lizotte or Noel Acciari from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
