Hughes (lower body) won't play Friday for precautionary reasons.

EDGE Analysis

The precautionary wording suggests Hughes' injury isn't significant, but the Devils don't want to push him. Dennis Cholowski will join the lineup in place of Hughes, who should be considered day-to-day for Saturday's game in Minnesota.

Hughes delivered three assists, two on the power play, in Wednesday's 5-3 win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old continues to thrive as the Devils' No. 1 defenseman in the absence of Dougie Hamilton (lower body). Hughes has five multi-point performances in 11 games since Hamilton was lost for the season, racking up a goal and 12 points over that stretch with seven of his helpers coming on the power play.

Hughes notched two assists, four shots on goal and four blocked shots in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes helped out on Nico Hischier's power-play tally in the second period and Erik Haula's goal late in the third. The 21-year-old Hughes also led the Devils with 26:37 of ice time, his third-highest total this season. The defenseman has 10 points over 11 outings in March, and he's up to 35 points (11 on the power play), 98 shots on net, 58 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating through 62 contests overall.

Hughes picked up two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

He had a hand in tallies by Cody Glass in the first period and Nico Hischier in the third. The 21-year-old blueliner has embraced his new role as the Devils' top defenseman since Dougie Hamilton (lower body) was lost for the season, and over the last six games -- including the one in which Hamilton got hurt -- Hughes has produced a goal and seven points, including four assists with the man advantage.

Hughes scored an even-strength goal and added a power-play assist in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

After helping to set up Nico Hischier for the game's opening tally early in the first period, Hughes potted New Jersey's final goal just 26 seconds into the third. The 21-year-old blueliner has caught fire since the 4 Nations Face-Off, and over the last eight games he's produced a goal and nine points. With Dougie Hamilton (lower body) lacking a timeline for his return, Hughes will be leaned on heavily down the stretch as the Devils try to lock up a playoff spot.

Hughes logged two power-play assists, two PIM and a minus-2 rating in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes assisted on goals by Timo Meier and Nico Hischier during the Devils' comeback push. The 21-year-old Hughes had a bit of a rough game on defense, but he's been steady on offense with six helpers across his last five games. The blueliner is up to 28 points (eight on the power play), 85 shots on net, 47 blocked shots and a minus-2 rating through 54 outings this season.

Hughes notched an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Saturday's 3-1 win over Utah.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes has four helpers over his last three games. He briefly left Saturday's contest after taking a hit late in the second period, but he was able to finish the game with 22:42 of ice time. Hughes' role has grown as the season has progressed, and he's meeting the challenge. He's up to 26 points, 81 shots on net, 45 blocked shots and an even plus-minus rating through 52 appearances this season.

Hughes notched an assist, three shots on goal and two PIM in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes has three helpers over his last two contests, with his latest assist setting up his elder brother, Jack Hughes, for the Devils' lone goal Wednesday. The younger Hughes has earned six points and a plus-1 rating over his last eight outings as he continues to make an impact on offense. For the season, he has 25 points, 79 shots on net, 43 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating through 51 games.

Hughes logged two assists, two shots on goal, two blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes earned his second multi-point effort in seven outings, a span in which he has two goals and three assists. The 21-year-old defenseman didn't get any power-play time Sunday, but the Devils only had one abbreviated opportunity with the man advantage, so it's nothing to worry about at this time. Hughes is enjoying a strong second NHL campaign with 24 points, 76 shots on net, 43 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 50 appearances while maintaining his place on the Devils' deep blue line.

Hughes scored a goal, had one shot on net and blocked one shot in a 4-0 win over the Canadiens on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes rounded out the scoring at the 10:09 mark of the third period. He didn't have a point in three straight outings going into Saturday's matchup and has two goals and three helpers in his last 19 appearances. Hughes will probably fall short of his 47-point display over 82 regular-season games in 2023-24 but could surpass the 30-point plateau. He has five goals and 22 points through 48 appearances this campaign.