With their backs against the wall versus the Carolina Hurricanes, the New Jersey Devils are turning to 19-year-old defenseman Luke Hughes in Game 3, head coach Lindy Ruff announced Saturday.
Hughes will replace Ryan Graves, who's out with an upper-body injury.
The Devils used the following defense pairs during Saturday's practice:
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Jonas Siegenthaler | Dougie Hamilton |
| Luke Hughes | Damon Severson |
| Kevin Bahl | John Marino |
Hughes received work with the top power-play unit at practice, too.
Veteran Brendan Smith was an option to replace Graves, but the Devils are rolling with the rookie instead.
Hughes, the younger brother of Devils forward Jack Hughes and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, tallied a goal and an assist - including a memorable overtime winner - in two games with New Jersey during the regular season after turning pro.
The 2021 fourth overall pick registered 10 goals and 38 assists in 39 games at Michigan this past season.
The Devils trail 2-0 in the series. Game 3 is set for Sunday.
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