Luke Hughes has taken a massive step forward

DerekDevils30

Registered User
Feb 2, 2007
21,563
19,290
Manitoba
Offensive puck luck is starting to improve. 13 points in his last 15 games while playing incredible two way hockey.

This kid is just unbelievably good.

Well on his way to being a #1. There was never a doubt about his physical traits and skill. The big question was whether or not he’d be able to be a plus defender. He has been a plus defender this season and is getting better and better each game.

Him being a #1 takes a lot of pressure off guys like Nemec, Casey, Silayev, etc in the future. The Devils D is in a great spot now and going forward thanks in large part to Luke’s ascension.
 

Hisch13r

Registered User
May 16, 2012
36,884
39,513
NJ
Offensive puck luck is starting to improve. 13 points in his last 15 games while playing incredible two way hockey.

This kid is just unbelievably good.

He's doing that without even being on PP1 as well. Tied 6th for Dmen in 5v5 pts over that span. In terms of 5v5 primary pts he is 2nd only to his brother. Tied for 8th in total pts among Dmen over that span and tied 3rd in total primary pts

Well on his way to being a #1. There was never a doubt about his physical traits and skill. The big question was whether or not he’d be able to be a plus defender. He has been a plus defender this season and is getting better and better each game.

Him being a #1 takes a lot of pressure off guys like Nemec, Casey, Silayev, etc in the future. The Devils D is in a great spot now and going forward thanks in large part to Luke’s ascension.

He's already playing like a #1 and a Norris contending guy at that. It's just a matter of him sustaining this level of play. He could start playing considerably worse and still be playing like a #1 right now.
 

NJDevils17

Going Up?
Apr 21, 2013
4,341
2,926
Raleigh
Playing alongside Pesce has been a godsend. Physical ability and tools have always been elite but the technical aspect of his game on D has been really good the last month+.

Personally, didn’t expect him to make a jump defensively this quickly but I’m crazy impressed. I think he’s going to make it very tough to leave off the 2026 Olympic team at this pace.
 

WhiskeyYerTheDevils

will post scouting reports for food**
Sponsor
Apr 27, 2005
35,769
35,132
**or compliments
Personally, didn’t expect him to make a jump defensively this quickly but I’m crazy impressed. I think he’s going to make it very tough to leave off the 2026 Olympic team at this pace.
It's crazy. The way he's been playing is where I had his ceiling pegged at. It's pretty clear I underrated his upside.
 

Hisch13r

Registered User
May 16, 2012
36,884
39,513
NJ
This could change but right now I think all 3 Hughes brothers would go first overall in re-drafts.

Jack and Quinn are locks. Luke's the best from 2021 so far

It's gonna look like a big mistake leaving Luke off the four nations team.

It was understandable at the time but yeah. He's making it impossible to leave him off 2026. He should be first guy up for Four Nations too right now if someone goes down.
 

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