The New Jersey Devils will be without star forward Jack Hughes due to an unfortunate, dinner-related mishap. The team announced Friday that Hughes suffered a non-hockey hand injury and will be out until further notice.

Hughes’ injury was reportedly due to a “freak accident” at a team dinner, per multiple reports, though additional details are unclear. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Hughes is believed to have slipped and cut his hand at the dinner.

Hughes is reportedly not expected to play on Saturday, as the Devils face off against the Washington Capitals in the second game of a five-game road trip.

It’s the latest (though probably the strangest) in a series of injuries for the young center, with no clear timetable to return to the ice. Hughes has seen his season come to an early end for the past two straight years, undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in April 2024, and then another shoulder surgery last March.

Prior to the incident, though, this was shaping up to be another great year for Hughes. In the first 17 games of the season, Hughes has 10 goals and 10 assists, with the Devils riding high on top of the Metropolitan Division.

Hughes’ unclear timeline doesn’t spell well for New Jersey, as he is one of their primary offensive playmakers: The 24-year-old forward leads the team in points and goals, and is second in assists.