Well yeah that's the thing isn't it. It's always numbers and people don't really care to dig down beneath the surface - in this case the digits. He was very fortunate not only to have an excellent US born players around all throughout the year from the USHL to the U18 WJHCs. I'm not even sure when's the last time this has happened where USA having as dominant generation in general. Needless to say that boosted him up and of course vice versa.
But still, mind-boggling? Breaking a record with most points in the U18s is great as well as breaking the NTDP record. But then again should we look at U18 World Juniors top 10 point record holders, we can see 3 Finns there, Granlund, Pulkkinen and Rajala. Hughes actually had 4 points more than Pulkkinen who played 2 less games. How great of a player did Pulkkinen become, let alone Rajala? Ha. I watched Nylander dominate and Puljujärvi absolutely demolish this tournament not so long ago. If Hughes was so sensational, then why was he nothing more than a shadow in the U20s? I'll answer for you. He didn't have the tools against the physical demands and this so called 110% sure bonafide center superstar has a lot left to figure out if he even wants a chance to stay in the big league next year. With that said, Kakko actually delivered and despite of him breaking records too, I don't consider his season extra-ordinary either. At least Hughes won't be losing a third gold medal game straight against him this time around. But then again, that's got nothing to do with him.
I guess we have different standards for what's mind-boggling. Laine's season in 2015-16 was that and then some. At first dominating and winning gold in the U20 WJC, then leading a professional team to playoff trophy by being selected as the MVP and lastly followed by another MVP from men's World Championships. Now that is mind-blowing. Oh well, I suppose Hughes still has the chance to prove himself worthy against better and older competition in the WHC, but if he's racking up points thanks to team mates pawing him open space on the ice, I won't certainly be overlooking that, but I wouldn't be surprised if half of the hockey world ignore it and just focused on what's Hughes' PPG today.
Generational? Sigh. Why are people even bringing this up every damn year. There should be like more than a dozen generational players in the league should we have 1 or 2 coming every year. I think they're both great players though. While I think Hughes can improve his shot to at least an average level, his size might prevent him from breaking into the absolute top end forwards. Stepping into the small rink at 170lbs? Geez, I'd get cold shivers just from the thought of it. However the game is evolving so maybe there's some hope for that yet. Kakko on the other hand doesn't seem to have any glaring concerns and will only get stronger and better, thus seems a more logical choice.
The NYR will win this draft simply by not having to draft first and deal with the media pressure.
