The New Jersey Devils announced that star center Jack Hughes underwent successful shoulder surgery on Wednesday, ending his 2024-25 season. He will be placed on long-term injured reserve while he recovers.

Hughes’ absence is a major blow to the Devils as they hit the home stretch of the regular season. The team sits third in the Metropolitan Division (72 points), but has little breathing room ahead of wild-card hopefuls in the Eastern Conference.

With just 19 games left to play, it would take a disastrous losing streak for New Jersey to miss the playoffs but losing Hughes will cost the team some serious offensive output.

His 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) is tied for the team lead with Jesper Bratt, meaning others will have to step up in Hughes’ absence.

Hughes was on a five-game points streak before being injured on a hard hit Sunday against the Vegas Golden Knights.