Devils draft Jack Hughes with No. 1 pick

The New Jersey Devils selected phenom center Jack Hughes with the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Jack Hughes

Position: Center
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 170 lbs
Age: 18
Club: U.S. National Team Development Program
Nationality: United States

GP	G	A	P
50	34	78	112

(Stats courtesy: EliteProspects.com)

The younger brother of Vancouver Canucks 2018 first-round pick Quinn Hughes, Jack finished the season as the top-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

Hughes' edgework, agility, and change of direction are already elite compared to current NHLers. His top-end speed is a tier or two below Connor McDavid's or Nathan MacKinnon's, but he's much like the two pivots in the sense that he can do just about anything with the puck on his stick while in high gear. He also has an incredible feel for when, and how to slow the game down with possession of the puck.

Hughes has elite short-area quickness, hands softer than butter, and a sky-high hockey IQ. He'll be a dynamic, playmaking offensive threat the minute he steps on the ice for his first NHL game, and has the potential to become a franchise player. Don't be fooled by his small stature.

What they're saying

"What makes Hughes stand out from your typical playmaker is how he makes those plays at a million miles an hour. He'll put pucks through legs while skating full speed and hit a target across the ice," said The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "He has a small, slight frame, and plays hard, which can lead to him getting knocked around a bit. His compete level is high, though. When he loses a puck, he wants the puck as bad as anyone on the ice, and he attacks the net without fear. He has the potential to be a star, play-driving, No. 1 center."

Highlights

Click here to watch Hughes' highlights.

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