However, he was cleared of serious injury, and after missing a few weeks of action, he is now eyeing off a return against a major rival.
According to Emily Kaplan, while Hughes hasn't been ruled out against Pittsburgh on Thursday, the more likely date for a return is Saturday against the New York Rangers, with that being the perfect time to return to the ice.
In 10 games this season, Hughes was unstoppable, notching an impressive five goals and 20 points, and if he can get back to that, this Devils team will be a fun one, and a tough one to stop all season long.