New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes signed his entry-level deal Saturday. Tony Ferrari looks at what Devils fans can expect from the blueline prospect.
Luke Hughes, the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, signed his entry-level deal with the New Jersey Devils with just three games remaining in the regular season.
He joined the team in Boston on Saturday but won't play. When he plays is still a question, but he will acclimate himself to the squad as soon as possible.
The youngest brother of Devils leading scorer Jack Hughes finished his sophomore season at the University of Michigan on Thursday after a heartbreaking defeat to Quinnipiac in the Frozen Four semifinal. The younger Hughes finished second to Lane Hutson for the NCAA scoring lead amongst defenders.
Hughes has racked up accolades at Michigan over his two years with the program, helping the Michigan Wolverines to a Big Ten Championship in each of his seasons in college. As a freshman, he had 39 points in 41 games en route to being named a second-team All-American, Big Ten second-team all-star, Big Ten rookie of the year, and a Hobey Baker finalist. This season, including the semifinal, he improved to 48 points in 39 games while collecting first-team All-American honors.
Hughes is a high-level skater who penetrates the offensive zone with the intention of creating mismatches and outnumbering the opposing defenders. His position at the offensive blueline is merely a starting point in an offensive shift for him, as he will often walk down the half-wall or creep into the slot.
If he has the puck on his stick, his lateral mobility is matched by his puckhandling ability and desire to take any ice given to him. Unafraid to shoot, Hughes has a good knack for finding dangerous scoring positions for himself. He is a silky passer as well, using the threat of his shot to draw in opponents before spotting a teammate in space.
The 19-year-old blueliner's capabilities in transition are near elite. He manipulates opposing players on the breakout, looking players off like an NFL quarterback looks off a safety, using his eyes to lead the opposition one way before cutting to the open lane. Hughes is a skilled passer who will thread the needle with his breakout passes, looking to spring his forwards with passes connecting in stride up ice. The teenaged Hughes oozes confidence with the puck on his stick.
His defensive game is still a work in progress, but he's made a notable improvement since the start of his college career. The newest Devil has been much steadier in transition defense. He is keeping a steadier gap and understanding the routes that incoming offensive players are going to try and take, cutting them off and guiding players to less dangerous areas.
Strength and in-zone defensive situations have been the biggest weaknesses for Hughes thus far. He has improved at winning puck battles by securing body position along the boards, but he can still find himself sitting on the outside of a scrum a bit too often. The former Wolverine boasts NHL size at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds already, but he'll need to develop strength as he physically matures to reach his full potential.
The mobile and offensively cerebral defender could be an instant impact player if he works into the Devils' lineup as they head to the playoffs. That being said, the Devils' defensive group has been impressive this season. Their left side features Kevin Bahl, Ryan Graves, Jonas Siegnethaler and Brendan Smith. The Devils regularly feature Dougie Hamilton and Severson on the power play.
It will be on coach Lindy Ruff to find room for Hughes in one of their two remaining games after Saturday. GM Tom Fitzgerald mentioned he hopes to see Hughes in a game prior to the end of the regular season, even if just to rest the players that will be fixtures in the playoff lineup. If not, he could very well use the end of this season and what the Devils hope to be a long playoff run to familiarize Hughes with the team in preparation for next season.
Whatever happens with Hughes this season, the Devils' newest blueliner will be looking to make an impact with the team next season on a full-time basis. Hughes should be able to secure a role with the team in training camp with one or both of Severson and Graves moving on, opening up a spot in the top six and possibly on the power play, where Hughes can be at his best.
The Hughes brothers are set to be pillars upon which the New Jersey Devils are built. It might just not start in full force until next season.