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Jack Hughes isn't ready for his hockey season to end. At least it doesn't appear that way.

There's been plenty of speculation about whether the 17-year-old will join Team USA, which usually tries to feature a couple of high-end prospects from the program, at the Worlds in May. It sounds like he will do just that.

USA-FIN u18 WJC broadcast just said they’re hearing Jack Hughes will be going to the WC.

— Tyler Kelley (@DocKelley41) April 25, 2019

Hughes is the consensus No. 1 pick and will soon put the finishing touches on a record-setting performance at the U18s, which should only cement his spot atop the draft. He doesn't have to go to the Worlds, but I'm glad he (likely) will.

It will be a great experience for him. He'll get to share the ice with high-end NHLers like Patrick Kane, Jack Eichel, Clayton Keller, Alex DeBrincat and Ryan Suter, among others. He'll learn tips and tricks, and see first-hand what makes a successful NHL player.

The level of competition will be great for him as well. For the first time in his career, Hughes will get to square up against established NHLers in a competitive environment. He'll quickly find out what works, what doesn't, and have a better idea of where he's at and where he needs to be by the fall.

John Hynes is also part of Team USA's coaching staff. He'll not only have the opportunity to see what Hughes is about – and how to utilize him – but establish a working relationship way ahead of time.

Lastly, not that I expect the Worlds to be a big factor one way or another, it'll be another opportunity to measure Hughes and Kaapo Kakko playing against the same level of competition.

I'm hoping to track some games and share observations throughout the tournament, which gets underway May 10th.

Note: I will try and get a post up Saturday but I'm heading to Mexico for a week so there's no guarantee I write anything else before May 5th or 6th (at the latest).

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