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Devils' Hughes unable to return vs. Islanders after hit from Wahlstrom

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes exited Sunday's 4-3 loss to the New York Islanders after taking a big hit from forward Oliver Wahlstrom and was unable to return for the third period.

There was no update on Hughes' status after the game, according to team beat reporter Amanda Stein.

Wahlstrom laid out Hughes in the Islanders' zone during the second frame. He appeared to extend his knee and Hughes' leg seemed to take the brunt of the impact. The young star left the ice with the help of a trainer.

Hughes returned soon after and played a shift but appeared to struggle to put weight on his leg. He ultimately exited the game again.

Here's a closer look at the hit:

Devils defenseman P.K. Subban took exception to the hit and was ejected from the contest after dropping the gloves with Wahlstrom.

The veteran blue-liner received two minutes for instigating, five minutes for fighting, a 10-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct for his actions, per Stein.

Hughes is in the midst of a breakout season and has put up 26 goals and 30 assists in 49 games, both career highs.

The 20-year-old missed 17 games after dislocating his shoulder in October. He was also sidelined for an additional three contests due to COVID-19 protocol in February after participating in the 2022 All-Star Game.

New Jersey was also missing forward Nathan Bastian, who appeared to be in some discomfort after blocking a shot in the first period, per NHL.com's Mike Morreale.

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