NHL 'hopeful' Devils star Jack Hughes performs in All-Star Sport – ESPN

Jack Hughes’ power-play purpose ties the Devils with the Senators at 1-1. (0:41)
The NHL is hopeful that New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes can nonetheless take part within the NHL All-Star Sport and abilities competitors this weekend in Toronto.
Hughes, 22, hasn’t performed since struggling an undisclosed upper-body harm within the Devils’ Jan. 5 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Devils coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Hughes hadn’t returned to skate with the crew earlier than the All-Star break.
“We’re ready on Jack,” mentioned NHL chief content material officer Steve Mayer. “I do know that Jack needs to play within the All-Star Sport actually badly. He continues to be evaluated. We’re hopeful, however we have now no data as of proper now as as to whether or not Jack’s going to take part.”
Hughes was anticipated to play a distinguished position throughout All-Star Weekend in Toronto. He is co-captaining one of many All-Star Sport’s 4 groups together with his brother, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. They’re scheduled to draft their crew throughout a brand new televised Thursday night time occasion.
Jack Hughes can also be scheduled to participate in a revamped abilities competitors on Friday night time that options 12 gamers competing for a $1 million winner-take-all prize.
Mayer mentioned the NHL wish to maintain Hughes as a crew captain even when he does not compete on the ice.
“We would like him to be right here in Toronto. He is aware of that. And so we would prefer to maintain Workforce Hughes [together] even when he does not play,” mentioned Mayer. “However once more, we’re ready day-to-day. We’re continuing as if he is enjoying, however we additionally perceive that he continues to be evaluated and we’ll wait till the final attainable second to see if he can play.”
Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald mentioned final week that Hughes is predicted to attend NHL All-Star Weekend whether or not he performs or not.
“He is excited to be a part of the festivities,” mentioned Fitzgerald.
Mayer mentioned that if Jack Hughes finally ends up not competing within the abilities competitors and All-Star Sport, the NHL will substitute one other participant in for him. He is at present the one member of the Devils that made the All-Star roster.
NHL All-Star Weekend is scheduled for Feb. 1-3 in Toronto.

source