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Devils defenseman Luke Hughes to miss start of NHL season with shoulder injury

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FILE - New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes, left, skates with the puck alongside Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Nov. 2, 2023, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn, File)
 
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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes is likely to miss the start of the NHL season next month after sustaining an injury to his left shoulder during off-season training.

The Devils released a statement Thursday saying the 21-year-old brother of All-Star center Jack Hughes was hurt earlier this month and is expected to be sidelined 6 to 8 weeks. The team said he will not require surgery.

The Devils open the regular season in Europe, facing former coach Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres for two games in Prague on Oct. 4-5.

Hughes had nine goals and 38 assists as a rookie last season. He played in all 82 games and was a finalist for the league’s rookie of the year award.

Jack Hughes had shoulder surgery in April and is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl