Projected 2019 top pick Jack Hughes returning to NTDP next season
Jack Hughes has opted for familiar surroundings.
The projected top pick in the 2019 NHL Draft will remain with the U.S. National Team Development Program next season, turning down opportunities with the University of Michigan as well as the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads, who held his Canadian junior rights.
"I just felt like the NTDP was the best spot for my development," Hughes told Mike Morreale of NHL.com. "I love my teammates, my coaches, the resources, and love being able to put on the USA jersey. I tell everyone no one trains as hard as us at the NTDP. We're working out in season, skating four times a week, and playing games on top of that."
In passing on Michigan, Hughes turned down a shot to suit up alongside his brother Quinn, the seventh overall pick by the Vancouver Canucks in this summer's draft. On Saturday, Quinn committed to returning to the Wolverines next season.
"I knew the NTDP was a great spot, and Michigan was a great spot as well," Jack added. "Quinn had really good success there and any time I have a chance to play with Quinn it's really appealing. I took that into consideration, but I think the NTDP was the best spot."
Expect to hear Jack's name plenty next season, particularly from fans of teams near the bottom of the standings. Across 60 games with the NTDP, the Orlando product amassed 116 points, one shy of the high-water mark Auston Matthews paced in 2015. The only difference is that Hughes did it at age 16, one year earlier than the Toronto Maple Leafs center.
His production shattered the totals of a handful of NHL stars and NTDP graduates, including Jack Eichel, Patrick Kane, and Phil Kessel, and scouts haven't been shy about likening his potential to Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.
After "Fall for Hall" and "Fail for Nail," don't be surprised when "Lose for Hughes" makes its way into hockey circles next season.
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