LD Luke Hughes (2021, 4th, NJD)

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Very good offensively, questionable defensively, but it's not like he's projected to be a defensive stalwart, or anything, so good debut.
 
Very good offensively, questionable defensively, but it's not like he's projected to be a defensive stalwart, or anything, so good debut.
Purely evaluating today’s game, I don’t think there was anything notable defensively that was an issue. If anything, his ability to play under pressure in the defensive zone and find a pass was beyond any other defensemen on the team.

That pass on the PP, though…
 
Purely evaluating today’s game, I don’t think there was anything notable defensively that was an issue. If anything, his ability to play under pressure in the defensive zone and find a pass was beyond any other defensemen on the team.

That pass on the PP, though…
Usually high offensive IQ players like Hughes will make a good play when they get the puck, but you're right with his pose. Even a high pick player like him, the Devils aren't counting on him to make those passes, or be that calm to start, especially in the playoffs.
 
Well, I wouldn't hold your breath. That's one game, so pretty much no real sample size.
Why would I need a sample size. Given his size, length and skating he projects to being very good defensively. It really isn't that hard a concept to understand. Those attributes don't only translate to the offensive side of the ice, if anything there is a much larger correlation to the defensive size of the puck.
 
Why would I need a sample size. Given his size, length and skating he projects to being very good defensively. It really isn't that hard a concept to understand. Those attributes don't only translate to the offensive side of the ice, if anything there is a much larger correlation to the defensive size of the puck.
Hal Gill was 6'7 and wasn't very good defensively until he figured things out.

Size doesn't mean shit for defensive ability.

Skating helps a little as when he makes a mistake at the opponent's blueline, or down low, he can get back to get into the play.
 
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Hal Gill was 6'7 and wasn't very good defensively until he figured things out.

Size doesn't mean shit for defensive ability.

Skating helps a little as when he makes a mistake at the opponent's blueline, or down low, he can get back to get into the play.
Cool story.. maybe you should open a thread about Hal Gill... no idea why you're even mentioning his old ass in the same sentence as Luke nor do I understand why you think a 19 year old with the tools Luke has won't also "figure things out"

Can you explain for us Miss Cleo?
 
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Said it pre-draft. Luke plays exactly like his brother Quinn. Same skillset offensively with a better shot but also prone to the same mistakes and laziness defensively. If Quinn was 6’2 I doubt you’d be able to tell the difference between these 2
 
Very good offensively, questionable defensively, but it's not like he's projected to be a defensive stalwart, or anything, so good debut.
There's nothing questionable about his defensive game. He's already elite on retrievals and controlled breakouts.

He's biggest weakness is just getting too aggressive in the offensive zone, which can lead to breaks the other way. But aside from that he's going to be a very solid defender.
 
He was great defensively last night but acting like there are no concerns at all there is kind of delusional. Although the concerns are overblown by many
I disagree, “concerns” usually indicates long term worry. Luke has a learning process ahead, but nothing indicates he will have issues learning. Of course, being offensive minded, he’s never going to be on the safest side defensively, but that‘s not his role anyway.
 

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