New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes was thought of as a bust after his rookie season in the NHL.
After being drafted first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes posted just seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 61 games.
Hughes made sure that would be the last time people would second-guess him.
New Jersey Devils forward Hughes is posting career highs in 2022-23.
Since his rookie season, Hughes has increased his offensive production every year he has been in the league. In fact, he already has career highs in goals and points just halfway through this season.
In 47 games, he has 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points. Hughes is also a +14 and plays an average of 20 minutes a night. With his increased offensive production, this begs the question: will Jack Hughes reach the 100-point plateau for the first time in his career?
According to his stats and points per game, Hughes is on pace for 103 points. Only 21 years old, he will have a career-best in offensive categories across the board at season’s end. In his last eleven games, Hughes has 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points.
Although offensively gifted, he has been playing with some solid linemates, switching from first-line center to, at times, playing second-line center as well. His linemates have been Tomas Tatar and Erik Haula recently, and they have been playing well.
Hughes is also a contributor to the power play. On the man advantage, Hughes plays left wing, with captain Nico Hischier at the center, and Jesper Bratt at right wing, while Dougie Hamilton and Damon Severson man the points.
This is as well-rounded of a power play as one can get in the NHL. Hughes often uses his deceptive shot to set up scoring chances, as his shooting percentage is 14.5%.
Hughes is also one of the fastest players in the league, not just on the New Jersey Devils. He has a lethal shot despite his small frame and sets up teammates with his crisp passing.
As a 2023 NHL All-Star, his second All-Star game, he is as talented as anyone in the NHL and can be just as offensively productive. Hughes is one of the best young players in the league, setting up the New Jersey Devils for success for years to come.
So the question is, does Hughes get to that 100-point mark this season? With his skills, his linemates, and the speed he brings, Hughes has all of the tools to succeed.
He does crack that 100-point milestone this season and the New Jersey Devils make a serious run at the top seed. Hughes is a supreme talent that most teams do not have in their lineup. He has enough talent to be near the top of the league scoring, if not the top scorer in the near future.