The New Jersey Devils are set to receive a major boost to their lineup as defensemen Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce are expected to make their season debuts on Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings. The return of the two key blueliners comes at a crucial time for the Devils, who have dropped their last two games while surrendering 14 goals in the process.
Hughes Eager to Build on Impressive Rookie Campaign
Luke Hughes, the 21-year-old phenom, is poised to make his much-anticipated return after being sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during offseason training. The young defenseman is coming off a stellar rookie season in which he notched 9 goals and 38 assists across 82 games, earning him a finalist nod for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
Hughes’ dynamic play and offensive prowess from the backend were sorely missed in the Devils’ first nine games of the season, as the team stumbled to a 5-3-1 record. His ability to quarterback the power play and jumpstart the transition game will undoubtedly provide a significant lift to a Devils squad looking to regain their footing in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
Pesce Set to Make Devils Debut
Meanwhile, Brett Pesce is slated to make his Devils debut after being acquired as a free agent in the offseason. The 29-year-old veteran inked a six-year, $33 million deal with New Jersey following a successful tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes. Pesce, who was drafted by the Hurricanes in 2013, amassed 39 goals and 159 assists over the course of 627 games with the franchise.
Pesce’s arrival in New Jersey was delayed due to a leg injury sustained during the Devils’ playoff run last season. The steady defenseman’s presence on the blue line will provide a calming influence and reliable two-way play for a Devils team that has struggled defensively in recent games.
Having Luke and Brett back in the lineup is huge for us. They bring so much to the table, both offensively and defensively, and their leadership and experience will be invaluable as we look to get back on track.
– Devils captain Nico Hischier
Devils Aim to Snap Skid Against Red Wings
As the Devils prepare to face off against the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, the return of Hughes and Pesce could not have come at a better time. New Jersey will look to snap a two-game losing streak that has seen them outscored by a combined margin of 14-6.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency in the early going, posting a record of 3-4-2 through their first nine games. The Devils will aim to exploit Detroit’s defensive vulnerabilities and get back in the win column with the help of their returning defensemen.
Projected Devils Lineup vs. Red Wings
With Hughes and Pesce back in the fold, the Devils are expected to ice the following lineup against the Red Wings:
- Forwards:
Tomas Tatar – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer
Yegor Sharangovich – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Andreas Johnsson – Erik Haula – Nathan Bastian
Miles Wood – Michael McLeod – Jesper Boqvist - Defensemen:
Ryan Graves – Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler – Brett Pesce
Luke Hughes – Damon Severson - Goaltenders:
Vitek Vanecek
Mackenzie Blackwood
As the puck drops in Detroit, all eyes will be on Hughes and Pesce as they look to make an immediate impact and help the Devils right the ship. With a renewed sense of optimism and a bolstered blue line, New Jersey will aim to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
