From the second Luke Hughes joined the New Jersey Devils on the finish of the 2022-23 season, it was clear his elite abilities could be a useful addition to the crew. With an time beyond regulation objective that despatched the Devils to the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the youngest Hughes instantly made a reputation for himself within the NHL. He had an outstanding rookie season in 2023-24, the place he performed in all 82 video games. Whether or not he’s scoring coast to coast or being nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy, Hughes has lived as much as franchise expectations, and there’s no doubt he’ll stay part of the Devils group for years to come back.
Throughout his first full season within the NHL, Hughes turned a key defenseman for the Devils. Within the wake of Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton’s accidents, he offered offensive and defensive protection. He additionally stepped as much as lead the highest power-play unit, taking the demanding function in stride.Â
Hughes averaged 21:28 in ice time for the 2023-24 season, the very best amongst all Devils defensemen. On the 2024 NHL Awards, Hughes completed third general in Calder Trophy votes. He was even named to the 2024 NHL All-Rookie Group, alongside gamers reminiscent of Connor Bedard, Logan Cooley, Marco Rossi, Brock Faber, and Pyotr Kochetkov. Below the steering of recent head coach Sheldon Keefe, Hughes will proceed to develop and hone his skills. Final season marked him as a promising defenseman for the Devils’ younger core, and he’ll solely enhance as he features extra expertise taking part in within the NHL.
From a Wolverine to a Satan
Hughes attended the College of Michigan, the place he performed D1 hockey for 2 years, making it to the Frozen 4 in each seasons. He put up spectacular numbers all through his school profession, main all defensemen in scoring for the 2021-22 season. All through his time at Michigan, he performed a complete of 80 video games, scoring 27 targets and 60 assists. Earlier than turning into a Wolverine, he additionally performed for the USA Hockey Nationwide Group Improvement Program (USNTDP), following within the footsteps of his older brothers Quinn and Jack. In 86 video games, he earned 62 factors and went on to characterize america on the 2019 World Below-17 Hockey Problem, the place he gained a silver medal. On the 2023 World Junior Championship, Hughes gained a bronze medal whereas serving as captain for Group USA. He additionally frolicked on the boys’s nationwide hockey roster on the 2024 IIHF World Championship and was even named Participant of the Recreation towards Slovakia.
Star Energy in New Jersey
Except for his top-notch skating talents, Hughes can also be recognized for his velocity. By way of high skating velocity, he maxed out at 24.19 miles per hour, rating within the 99th percentile inside the NHL. He additionally had a complete skating distance of 269.44 miles in the course of the 2023-24 season, in comparison with the 136.33-mile common for all NHL defensemen. Final season, he additionally blocked a complete of 57 photographs, which got here in helpful whereas the Devils suffered from inconsistent goaltending. There may be additionally one thing to be stated about his offensive expertise, contemplating Hughes had 135 photographs on objective. He was liable for 47 factors final season, tying Faber for essentially the most factors amongst rookie defensemen.
Trying Forward
Whereas there are some points of the sport Hughes must work on, together with turnovers, his rookie 12 months was nonetheless extraordinarily encouraging for the way forward for the Devils. There’s no denying that he’ll elevate his sport within the coming seasons, particularly with the return of Hamilton and the acquisition of veteran defensemen Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. It’s as much as Keefe to create the proper line combos that may guarantee success, in contrast to former head coach Lindy Ruff. Hughes has the potential to turn out to be a top-pairing defenseman, and I imagine he could have a stellar 2024-25 season. If he continues to log over 20 minutes of ice time per sport and has an satisfactory linemate, his level manufacturing may improve considerably.
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One thing else that units Hughes aside as an up-and-coming star is the impression he has each on and off the ice. He’s centered on making a distinction locally and serves as an envoy for Hockey in New Jersey alongside together with his older brother, Jack. This group is concentrated on offering youngsters with a constructive setting to learn to play hockey, and this system has grown exponentially below his endorsement.
Hughes has repeatedly confirmed his dedication to the Devils, representing the subsequent technology of New Jersey’s franchise. As his expertise continues to develop, he’ll make noteworthy contributions for years to come back. He’s coming into the final 12 months of his entry-level contract and can turn out to be a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2025. If he continues to maximise his potential, there isn’t a query he’ll cement his function in New Jersey with a long-term extension.
