I'd say he's closer to Drouin tier than MacKinnon tier.
Yup, Drouin is a good comparable, but I’d also take Mac, Eichel and Auston every single day of the week over Hughes.
I wouldn't just say Drouin. I'd add guys like Marner, Svechnikov, or even Laine. I think he's a better prospect than Hischier and co were. I'd probably take him over most of those guys (Laine and he would have been an interesting debate). I think Hughes is just a small tier down from the Stamkos, Tavares, MacKinnon, Matthews, and Eichel tier of prospect
Mackinnon didn't even belong in that tier, now after 5 years of NHL hockey people start lumping him in there after struggling the past 4 seasons to last year. Hughes is definitely in that tier, hilarity keeps ensuing here.
Do you see Hughes scoring 63 points next year? Mackinnon didn't excactly struggle in his rookie year.
MacKinnon absolutely was viewed in that tier at the time. He was viewed as the best center prospect since Tavares. At worst, MacKinnon was in the Seguin, and Hall tier, which maybe that is where Hughes is.
I didn't compare him to Drouin as a player, just where his stock was relative to him at the time of there draft. Marner has elite edgework. Both Kane and Hughes are faster than Marner though.
he clearly was below the other names he now is in "their tier" with...those other names were better players from day 1, but over time Mackinnon evolved into what he is. I find it hilarious to add Mackinnon to that tier now when he literally was one of the more underwhelming #1 picks over time being compared here, BUT Hughes apparently can't grow as Mac did... But that also shows you that even a #1 OV player can evolve/improve and become a dominant NHLer after years. his thread just keeps getting worse and worse.
that is not what I am saying at all.
I honestly don't think you remember how MacKinnon was viewed at the time of his draft? He was considered arguably the best prospect since Tavares, and at worst on par with Hall, and clearly above RNH and Yakupov. 2013 at the time was very hyped at the top, with many people loving the projected top 3 of MacKinnon, Jones, and Drouin. The only one who didn't live up to expectations so far has been Drouin.
I have no interest in trying to dimish Hughes. I'd still take him first overall. So, don't think I'm playing that game. But, I don't think he's a Matthews or Eichel level prospect. He simply doesn't have as well balanced and rounded out tool-kit. I think his game is comparable to Marner and Barzal, both elite players in the league.
Yep, like other guys have said here, Mackinnon was in that tier.
They graded out fairly differently as prospects. I wasn't pointing out anything in regards to Eichel that happened post draft. For example, Daigle would have been in the 2nd highest tier of prospect behind the Lemieux's and Lindros's, but many other players significantly outplayed him in the show. That isn't to say Eichel busted or anything. It's more than Eichel's overall skill set made him a very safe projection with very high-end upside.
You always hear the “centre version of Patrick Kane” comparison, but Kane has an outstanding array of shots. Wicked wrister, hard and accurate snap shot, dangerous one timer and outstanding backhand. Hughes just isn’t remotely close. Shots can be improved, but not to that degree. Draft-eligible Kane had one of if not the best shot in his class, as I recall; is Hughes’ realistically even top-100?
