New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes has taken noticeable strides in the face-off circle, winning 70 percent of the draws against the Edmonton Oilers.
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes has taken noticeable strides in the face-off circle, winning 70 percent of the draws against the Edmonton Oilers.
Over 321 NHL games, New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes has solidified himself as a star in the league.
The 23-year-old has scored 118 goals and collected 293 points over the past six seasons. He became the fastest player in Devils team history to reach 100 career goals, a record previously held by Brian Gionta. He broke multiple single-season records, including the franchise record of 96 points set by Patrik Elias in 2000-01.
His offensive abilities and contributions have never been questioned.
One area of his game that he admittedly wanted to work on was his ability to win face-offs.
Listed as center, Hughes' face-off win percentage has slowly improved since the 2021-22 campaign, when it was 34.6%. Through 15 games this season, the 2019 first-overall pick is at 40.2%.
The Devils recently returned home from their Western Canada road trip, during which the club earned a record of 2-1-0, with both wins being shutouts.
Against the Vancouver Canucks, Hughes won seven of 13 face-offs (53.9%). Two nights later, against the Calgary Flames, he was credited with winning six of 12 face-offs (50%). He wrapped up the road trip, winning seven of 10 (70%) against the Edmonton Oilers.
The most impressive thing about his outing against the Oilers was who he beat in the face-off circles. The list includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl. According to the play-by-play, Hughes beat Draisaitl four times, including three in the third period in the Devils zone.
The 5-foot-11 forward has taken 122 face-offs to start the season, winning 49. Lately, he has taken noticeable steps to improve what is widely considered one of the weaker facets of his game.
His improvements will ultimately take pressure off of Devils captain Nico Hischier, who has taken a league-leading 376 face-offs, 85 more than Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby.
Hughes already positively impacts the game with his outstanding offensive play, but seeing him become a true contender in the face-off circle will unlock a new level that fans have yet to see from Hughes.
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