‘Life can break you down’: Jack Hughes posts heartfelt message for Devils fans after season-ending injury
Jack Hughes wasn’t shy about sharing how he felt about having his NHL season come to an abrupt end.
On Wednesday, the New Jersey Devils announced that their star center would be out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and Stanley Cup Playoffs after having surgery on his right shoulder.
Hughes left last Sunday’s matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights after sustaining the injury when crashing into the boards after getting tangled with Golden Knights center, Jack Eichel.
On Thursday, the 23-year-old American spoke out on Instagram.
“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,” he wrote.
“I know I’m not the first athlete to face the challenges that comes with injuries, and I certainly will not be the last. But this is another hill to climb. The more adversity I face, the more I will believe in myself, the deeper I will dig into who I am, in the pursuit of being the best version of myself.”
Despite the season-ending status, Hughes is expected to be ready for the Devils’ training camp in the fall ahead of their 2025-26 season. However, losing his contributions is a significant hit to their Stanley Cup Playoff hopes as they enter their 19 remaining games, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division.
In 62 games this season, Hughes scored 27 goals and 70 points and played significant minutes with Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He has posted 141 goals and 210 points in 368 regular-season games in his career since getting selected first overall in 2019.
“I am excited to work towards recovery so I can continue to pour my heart and soul into the game I love,” he added.
“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.”
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