Hughes landed on the COVID-19 protocol list after going to the All-Star game in Vegas. He was back on the ice for Saturday's practice and is expected to play Sunday vs. the Penguins. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be taking Jesper Bratt's spot in the lineup--Bratt is dealing with an upper-body injury.
Haula missed two games while in COVID-19 protocol but was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play Tuesday. Haula, who has 16 points (5G / 11A) in 40 games this season, was back between Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak in Monday's session.
Hamilton has yet to be cleared for contact, so he will miss at least three more games. The next opportunity for Hamilton to return will be Sunday vs. the Penguins.
Hughes recently participated in the All-Star game festivities and tested positive for COVID-19 upon his return to New Jersey. Hughes will not travel on the Devils' three-game road trip, which starts Monday but is eligible to return to the lineup for Sunday's home game vs. the Penguins.
Palat missed the last five games with a lower-body injury but will be back in the lineup when the Lighting host the Devils on Thursday. This is good timing for the Lightning, as they will be without Nikita Kucherov, who was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday.
Hamilton remains week-to-week after undergoing surgery to repair his broken jaw but the fact that he returned to the ice is a good sign. However, it sounds like he's still a few weeks away from returning to the lineup.
Dillon has missed the last three games while in COVID-19 protocol but took part in Friday's practice and will be a game-time decision on Saturday afternoon.
