Devils star Jack Hughes out 8 weeks after finger surgery - ESPN

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes had successful surgery on his finger on Saturday, the team announced. The expected recovery time is eight weeks, though he will be reevaluated in six weeks.

According to sources, Hughes injured his hand in a «freak accident» at a team dinner on Thursday, which involved getting cut by glass. Hughes' procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

The 24-year-old was off to a terrific start for New Jersey, which is 12-4-1 and atop the Metropolitan Division entering Friday. The American-born star has 10 goals and 20 points in his first 17 games.

The injury will create an interesting predicament for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Hughes' brother, Quinn, has already been named to the team while the Devils star was expected to be a front-runner for the roster. Federations must submit rosters by December 31. The Devils' projected return to play timeline is around the second week of January. The Olympic men's hockey tournament begins on February 11.

Olympic rosters feature 25 players, which is far more spots than teams had at Four Nations.