New Jersey Devils star defenseman Luke Hughes had the third-highest top speed at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship.

New Jersey Devils star defenseman Luke Hughes had the third-highest top speed at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship.

The end result for Team USA wasn't as they expected. They iced a highly skilled roster that featured the names of NHL stars such as Zach Werenski, Seth Jones, Matt Boldy, Johnny Gaudreau, Trevor Zegras and Brady Tkachuk.

With names like those, a quarter-finals flame out is a disappointment. 

Hughes finished the tournament with two goals and five points in eight games which was tied for second for points by a defenseman on Team USA and tied for first in goals. 

It's no secret that one of Hughes' best traits is his ability to skate. Straight-line speed with phenomenal edgework and weight balance, the 20-year-old is a threat to make a play anywhere on the ice. According to the IIHF, he clocked a max speed of 37.89 KM/H, the third-highest in the tournament behind Jakub Flek (Czechia) who reached a top speed of 38.99 KM/H and Dylan Cozens (Canada) who reached 38.13 KM/H.

On the bigger international ice surfaces, Hughes was able to show off his speed on multiple occasions. He scored a highlight reel goal when he picked up the puck in his own zone and skated the length of the ice against Slovakia.

Throughout his rookie season and now in the World Championship, Hughes has shown he is on the cusp of superstardom. Newly hired HC Sheldon Keefe loves defensemen who can skate and jump into the rush which should help further unlock Hughes' potential. 

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