Jack Hughes OUT for Devils vs. Islanders on Friday

ELMONT When the New Jersey Devils hit the ice on Friday for warmups against the New York Islanders, Jack Hughes was absent.

The Devils superstar center was a scratch from the lineup, despite the belief the full roster heading to Prague would play.

According to the Devils, Hughes is just getting an extra night of rest.

On Friday morning, he took his usual spot in line rushes between Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt on the first line during morning skate.

However, after practice was over and the first group who was assumed playing on Long Island hit the showers, Hughes remained on the ice.

The Devils superstar got more work in with the second training camp group on Friday morning, resulting in Hughes absence from the lineup on Friday night.

Hughes as well as Meier was held out of the Devils first preseason game against the Islanders as well.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained it was for rest purposes then as well, following offseason shoulder surgery.

He gave the same explanation for Meier.

However, Meier is in the lineup on Friday night.

And Hughes is not.

Hughes has not been labeled as injured, and theres no confirmation hes dealing with anything of the sort.

Yet, on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, Hughes took a bump in the first period that caused him to limp off the ice.

He remained on the bench, spoke with medical staff, however, was on the ice for the very next shift with his line.

Hughes preseason will end with him playing in just one matchup, scoring one goal on four shots and a minus-two.

Paul Cotter skated in the first line center position for the Devils in Hughes place.

The Devils leave for Prague on Sunday, Sept.

29th.

This article first appeared on New Jersey Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission..

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