1. New Jersey Devils — Jack Hughes
DOB: May 14, 2001 (age 18)
Position: C
Shoots: L
Team: USNTDP — USHL
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 168 pounds
The most special thing about Jack Hughes is his ability to make high-end plays that combine skill with smarts — all while powering down the ice at a head-turning speed. Some may argue that he is not as capable as the aforementioned Kakko of easing into the NHL alongside grown men, and that the Finnish winger, in turn, has a better chance of swiftly emerging as one of hockey’s more dominant talents. That said, the sense among many is that Hughes remains the most dynamic player that this particular class has to offer, and that his projection as a true No. 1 center will all but definitely push him over the edge come draft day.
Whatever the case, the ball is surely in the New Jersey Devils’ court. GM Ray Shero is known to have a personal connection to the Hughes family, but it is the nature of the player in question that has likely won over New Jersey’s administrative body. After all, Hughes has the potential to enter into the ranks of generational talents and/or franchise players.
Look for the Devils to shoot their shot on June 21, as they kick off what has long been hailed as the Jack Hughes draft.