DETROIT — The New Jersey Devils are set to welcome back Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce for their season opener on Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings.

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Hughes, who is 21 years old, has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during offseason training. In contrast, Pesce, 29, fractured his leg during last season’s playoffs while playing for the Carolina Hurricanes and has worked hard on his rehabilitation. Although New Jersey has managed a record of 5-3-1 in their absence, the defense has struggled recently, conceding 14 goals in their last two games.

Last season, Hughes made quite an impression, recording nine goals along with 38 assists over the course of 82 games. His outstanding performance earned him a nomination for the Calder Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top rookie.

Pesce, who was acquired as a free agent during the offseason, inked a lucrative six-year contract worth $33 million. Over his career with the Hurricanes, which began when he was drafted in 2013, he accumulated a total of 39 goals and 159 assists in 627 games.

The return of both players is likely to provide a significant boost to the Devils as they continue their campaign this season.