New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports

Former first-overall pick Jack Hughes to return to Devils following six-week shoulder injury layoff

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/30/21

Jack Hughes' third NHL season was put on hold almost immediately after it began this fall due to a shoulder injury. On Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick will make his long-awaited return to the ice.

i feel like playing some hockey tn…
— jack hughes (@jhugh86) November 30, 2021

Hughes has been limited to just two games this season and has been sidelined for the past six weeks. He returns to a New Jersey team that is currently 9-6-4 and tied with the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference with 22 points.

The 20-year-old center posted a pair of goals -- including the overtime game-winner -- during New Jersey's season-opening win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

After scoring seven goals and adding 14 assists in 61 games as a rookie during the 2019-2020 season, Hughes tied for the team-high with 56 games played a year ago, while placing second in points (31), third in assists (20) and third in goals (11).

The Devils and San Jose Sharks are scheduled to play at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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