Hughes (shoulder) hasn't resumed skating and is still 5-7 weeks away from playing, according to Mike Morreale of NHL.com.
Hughes sustained a shoulder injury Sept. 12 and was originally given a timetable of 6-8 weeks, so it seems he's now on track to miss more time than was originally projected. The 21-year-old had nine goals and 47 points in 82 appearances with New Jersey in 2023-24, including 25 points with the man advantage. Dougie Hamilton, who didn't play past Nov. 28 last year due to a pectoral injury, is set to open the campaign on New Jersey's top power-play unit, while Seamus Casey might get a chance with the second group due to Hughes' absence.