Devils Draft Jack Hughes

The New Jersey Devils walked to the podium with a franchise making decision to make and even though Ray Shero drug the anticipation out with an odd and rambling announcement that seemed like it took two hours, not two minutes, the Devils made the selection of American center Jack Hughes official.

Hughes had been the unanimous choice by observers as the best player in the draft before a late rush by Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko made what initially seemed to be a no-brainer selection into a far more difficult decision to make.
Hughes is not quite as big as one would like from a center (5'10 170 pounds), although I wouldn't say he is undersized as some have.
I'd say Hughes is more slight of build than small, which basically means that Hughes is smaller because he is 17 rather than describe him as a smaller player.
Hughes is the all-time scorer for the U.S. developmental team and his game has been compared to Patrick Kane and as a smaller Connor McDavid in the past, but the comparison that I've been hearing more of late is that of Steve Yzerman and that I'll take every day and all day!

Hughes has been noted as one of the more creative offensive players to come into the league in years and some of his highlights have been dazzling to watch with the sort of speed and skating ability that is rarely seen from a forward.
If Jack Hughes lives up to his clips and the ability that he seems to have, Hughes could be the type of player that the New Jersey Devils have never had in their existence.
That's not knocking some of the tremendous players that the Devils have had through the years, but the Devils have never had this type of player with creativity, yet has the ability to pass the puck and make his teammates better.
Jack Hughes could be the type of player that becomes the face of a franchise for a dozen years.


Did the Devils do the right thing in taking Jack Hughes over Kaapo Kaako?
Yes, for two reasons.
The hockey reason? If two players are close in talent and ability, you take the center over the winger.
The center will control the puck more and will have more of an impact over the course of a game than a winger will
The other reason? Marketability.
Yes, Hughes is an American and Kaako is not,  but that's not the only reason Hughes is more marketable.
Watch the Hughes interview at the draft with Kathryn Tappen and his media work after the selection- the guy has that "it" factor that comes up so often in these situations.
Hughes reminded me more than a little of Baker Mayfield minus Baker's chip on his shoulder, but I saw more than a few similarities with Mayfield and his charismatic attitude.
Hughes has been reported to be quite the leader on and off the ice with the U.S. national team and I can see why from seeing him speak.


I'm thrilled to have Jack Hughes with the Devils and that's not a knock on Kaapo Kaako, who I also think is going to be a terrific player and might help get the Devils-Rangers rivalry off the back burner a bit.
Jump on board as the New Jersey Devils have hopefully drafted themselves a franchise center!

Back later with a look at last night's Golden Boy card on DAZN with a controversial upset in the boxing challenge.