Jack Hughes’ health will be a narrative, whether he likes it or not

Writer Spencer Lazary argues that Jack Hughes' injury history will remain a dominant narrative surrounding the New Jersey Devils forward this season. The topic resurfaced following an early exit from a game and a viral on-ice interview in which a reporter asked Hughes if he would be wrapped in bubble wrap, drawing an unimpressed response from the player.

Lazary notes that while such scrutiny is frustrating for Hughes, his past absences make questions about his durability inevitable. The writer stresses that the Devils rely heavily on Hughes offensively and that only a sustained healthy stretch will quiet the ongoing speculation.