Luke Hughes, a key defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, has returned to practice after being sidelined since January 19 due to a shoulder injury. Hughes, who is currently on Long Term Injury Reserve, was seen skating with the team during a skills practice at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House. Head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that Hughes looks good and is progressing positively, although he will not be able to return to game action before February 28, when the Devils face the St. Louis Blues. Hughes's return to practice is seen as a positive sign for the team, which has faced numerous injuries this season. The Devils used the Olympic break to conduct mini-training camps and evaluate their roster, recalling several players from Utica, including Lenni Hämeenaho, Dennis Cholowski, and Colton White. Despite missing their Olympians, the team is preparing for the final stretch of the season, with some players still competing in the Olympics. Hughes's return is expected to help bolster the Devils' defense as they aim to improve their standings in the final months of the season.