Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils player profile: Jack Hughes

Thanks Todd. In all honesty, the future of the Devils franchise will play out in big part by the development of Jack into the player we all believe he is.

Thanks Todd. In all honesty, the future of the Devils franchise will play out in big part by the development of Jack into the player we all believe he is.
- redmonsters

yea I still have my reservations regarding the player I think he is. I'm open to the idea of an 80pt or 40pt player. I think it's entirely possible he flexes between 50-70 through his career.. but maybe more..hopefully not less.

God, I miss hockey. Even the Devils of this year.....

yea I still have my reservations regarding the player I think he is. I'm open to the idea of an 80pt or 40pt player. I think it's entirely possible he flexes between 50-70 through his career.. but maybe more..hopefully not less.
- MartysBetter88

At the Draft, it appeared to be the consensus that Kakko was more NHL ready, as Hughes still needs to add pounds and better manage his turnovers/chances. I don't know if I have ever seen a 1/2 overall selection fall this flat since the Yakupov draft. That being said, I still have no reservations about taking Jack over Kakko. Centre is a vital position, and the kid is going to fill out. Looking at his supporting wingers over the majority of the season, and I can see why an undersized, playmaking, east-west, Centre struggled to find chemistry. My expectations remain high going into next season. Get the kid a sniper like Hoffman, add 10-15lbs mass, and the kid will turn the page. Not 100 points, but 50+ is an option

At the Draft, it appeared to be the consensus that Kakko was more NHL ready, as Hughes still needs to add pounds and better manage his turnovers/chances. I don't know if I have ever seen a 1/2 overall selection fall this flat since the Yakupov draft. That being said, I still have no reservations about taking Jack over Kakko. Centre is a vital position, and the kid is going to fill out. Looking at his supporting wingers over the majority of the season, and I can see why an undersized, playmaking, east-west, Centre struggled to find chemistry. My expectations remain high going into next season. Get the kid a sniper like Hoffman, add 10-15lbs mass, and the kid will turn the page. Not 100 points, but 50+ is an option
- bikeguy99

Considering Jack put up 21 point in 61 games and Kaapo put up 23 points in 66 games and both an UGLY -26. So I’d say they were very similar in production. If Kaapo is more nhl ready it may have shown on the ice but not in his stats. So I’m also cautiously optimistic Jack was the right puck long term. But that said, I think both guys got rushed into the league.

At the Draft, it appeared to be the consensus that Kakko was more NHL ready, as Hughes still needs to add pounds and better manage his turnovers/chances. I don't know if I have ever seen a 1/2 overall selection fall this flat since the Yakupov draft. That being said, I still have no reservations about taking Jack over Kakko. Centre is a vital position, and the kid is going to fill out. Looking at his supporting wingers over the majority of the season, and I can see why an undersized, playmaking, east-west, Centre struggled to find chemistry. My expectations remain high going into next season. Get the kid a sniper like Hoffman, add 10-15lbs mass, and the kid will turn the page. Not 100 points, but 50+ is an option
- bikeguy99

Yakupov had a really good rookie season all things considered. It was all downhill from there.

Considering Jack put up 21 point in 61 games and Kaapo put up 23 points in 66 games and both an UGLY -26. So I’d say they were very similar in production. If Kaapo is more nhl ready it may have shown on the ice but not in his stats. So I’m also cautiously optimistic Jack was the right puck long term. But that said, I think both guys got rushed into the league.
- Queenie_5_hole

Long term Jack was the right pick. I still have high hopes for him. When you watch him play you can see the skill. He needs to add the weight, just like Nico did, and it will come together. If we have two picks in the top ten, we should be able to get him snipers he needs. That said, the depth the devils are building (Foote, Kuokkanen, Boquist, Merkley) also tells a good story. The big open question for me is how this team deploys it cap space.

Long term Jack was the right pick. I still have high hopes for him. When you watch him play you can see the skill. He needs to add the weight, just like Nico did, and it will come together. If we have two picks in the top ten, we should be able to get him snipers he needs. That said, the depth the devils are building (Foote, Kuokkanen, Boquist, Merkley) also tells a good story. The big open question for me is how this team deploys it cap space.
- redmonsters

Good points. I am going to have trouble spending my money on this team if ownership doesn't.

Love the additions of Merkley, Foote, Kuokkanen and Bahl and excited to have talent in the system. Just praying things pan out.

Considering Jack put up 21 point in 61 games and Kaapo put up 23 points in 66 games and both an UGLY -26. So I’d say they were very similar in production. If Kaapo is more nhl ready it may have shown on the ice but not in his stats. So I’m also cautiously optimistic Jack was the right puck long term. But that said, I think both guys got rushed into the league.
- Queenie_5_hole

+/- is never a stat I am thrilled to discuss. However, given that both were a -26, I would give Jack the benefit of the doubt, as the devs were a -41, and the Rags were a +12. Jack may have been rushed, but sometimes that can be a good thing. We will be negotiating an extension a year earlier into his development, which could have massive savings down the road, and the kid now knows the training and focus it takes to contribute in this league. I am sure his motivation is higher than ever, and he is going to add some mass this offseason.

Good points. I am going to have trouble spending my money on this team if ownership doesn't.

Love the additions of Merkley, Foote, Kuokkanen and Bahl and excited to have talent in the system. Just praying things pan out.
- Queenie_5_hole

I hope they all pan out, but honestly if just 3 of Smith/Walsh/Bahl/Kuokkanen/Merkley/Foote/Boqvist can become top 2 line calibre players, paired with our 3 1st round selections and any potential UFA's, this team will improve greatly!!!! Blackwood was already a goalie pacing for a 110 point season on a team that was failing. If these young prospects begin to contribute in a meaningful way, this club will be a contender in just a year or two.

Long term Jack was the right pick. I still have high hopes for him. When you watch him play you can see the skill. He needs to add the weight, just like Nico did, and it will come together. If we have two picks in the top ten, we should be able to get him snipers he needs. That said, the depth the devils are building (Foote, Kuokkanen, Boquist, Merkley) also tells a good story. The big open question for me is how this team deploys it cap space.
- redmonsters

Jack's weight or strength isn't holding him back. He's never going to be the type of player winning puck battles. He needs to improve his decision making and realize that no one puts up 100 points in this league with 100 highlight reel plays. He needs to shoot the puck more often especially on odd man rushes. This is also why I disagree with the people who say he was rushed. He knows how to dummy lower level players, what he needs is to figure out how to adapt his skillset to be effective against the best.

Jack's weight or strength isn't holding him back. He's never going to be the type of player winning puck battles. He needs to improve his decision making and realize that no one puts up 100 points in this league with 100 highlight reel plays. He needs to shoot the puck more often especially on odd man rushes. This is also why I disagree with the people who say he was rushed. He knows how to dummy lower level players, what he needs is to figure out how to adapt his skillset to be effective against the best.
- rmdevil313

The weight and strength isn’t about him winning board battles, it’s about him getting knocked around like a rag doll. So I don’t see how getting bigger and stronger won’t help.

Meanwhile let’s hope we haven’t destroyed his confidence getting jerked around and playing out of position on this dumpster fire. Boqvist struggled up here and has adjusted great in the Bing. It’s not bad to send guys there. Adam Larsson sane thing. Lots of guys.


Because really how much is Jack going to figure out getting his Richard knocked into the dirt every game?

No offense to you personally sir.

Good day.







I said GOOD DAY!

The weight and strength isn’t about him winning board battles, it’s about him getting knocked around like a rag doll. So I don’t see how getting bigger and stronger won’t help.

Meanwhile let’s hope we haven’t destroyed his confidence getting jerked around and playing out of position on this dumpster fire. Boqvist struggled up here and has adjusted great in the Bing. It’s not bad to send guys there. Adam Larsson sane thing. Lots of guys.


Because really how much is Jack going to figure out getting his Richard knocked into the dirt every game?

No offense to you personally sir.

Good day.







I said GOOD DAY!
- Queenie_5_hole

A lot, probably. You don't learn much by not being challenged.

And for me , him getting pushed around goes back to his decision making. Holding on to the puck too long, never settling for simpler plays etc.

Todd Cordell: New Jersey Devils player profile: Jack Hughes
- Todd.Cordell

Bust

A lot, probably. You don't learn much by not being challenged.

And for me , him getting pushed around goes back to his decision making. Holding on to the puck too long, never settling for simpler plays etc.
- rmdevil313

I don’t think Hack would be so dominant in the AHL that it wouldn’t be challenging for him. I mean I’m not upset he went directly to NHL but watching him play there I didn’t get the sense he really belongs in that league.

Jack's weight or strength isn't holding him back. He's never going to be the type of player winning puck battles. He needs to improve his decision making and realize that no one puts up 100 points in this league with 100 highlight reel plays. He needs to shoot the puck more often especially on odd man rushes. This is also why I disagree with the people who say he was rushed. He knows how to dummy lower level players, what he needs is to figure out how to adapt his skillset to be effective against the best.
- rmdevil313

His weight and strength are clearly affecting his game. Guys are forcing him off the puck way too easily. If he add a few lb's, he will certainly protect the puck. I am a big fan of the kid, but at the moment, he has a physique similar to myself at 14 years old. Good news is the kid will likely grow and fill into a bigger frame. That paired with his hockey IQ, vision, speed, the kid is going to be great one day.

BUST!


Only NJ could get a #1 overall and have it be a bust....twice!















Seriously though, people need to chill. Kid is young, need to grow up and mature into his body. Most of us at 19 would get lit up in the NHL.
Everything will be fine. I’m more concerned for who they bring on as coach and GM.

His weight and strength are clearly affecting his game. Guys are forcing him off the puck way too easily. If he add a few lb's, he will certainly protect the puck. I am a big fan of the kid, but at the moment, he has a physique similar to myself at 14 years old. Good news is the kid will likely grow and fill into a bigger frame. That paired with his hockey IQ, vision, speed, the kid is going to be great one day.
- bikeguy99

I think this sums it up - and this is exactly what most evaluators said going into the season. He will come around, and we will love his game. Excited for potential 3 picks in top 17 - if it holds as it does now. These pics and cap space utilization could set the future path for this franchise.

BUST!


Only NJ could get a #1 overall and have it be a bust....twice!


Agreed. The kid almost has too much confidence, every time he has a big game he says as much and then the coaches echo it.

He plays like he is afraid of the contact and sometimes just looks lost. I am not worried however, he has had multiple coaches/strategies/line mates/position responsibilities/etc... this is where I think Nas has come up short to guarantee him the job. Hughes, Boq, and other young guys arent thriving under him. Seems like he is better with established players.












Seriously though, people need to chill. Kid is young, need to grow up and mature into his body. Most of us at 19 would get lit up in the NHL.
Everything will be fine. I’m more concerned for who they bring on as coach and GM.
- FLdevilsFAN

BUST!


Only NJ could get a #1 overall and have it be a bust....twice!















Seriously though, people need to chill. Kid is young, need to grow up and mature into his body. Most of us at 19 would get lit up in the NHL.
Everything will be fine. I’m more concerned for who they bring on as coach and GM.
- FLdevilsFAN

I think all of us at any age would get destroyed in the NHL; but I could be wrong.

I think all of us at any age would get destroyed in the NHL; but I could be wrong.
- Queenie_5_hole

I don't know if they would destroy me or laugh me off the ice....

I think all of us at any age would get destroyed in the NHL; but I could be wrong.
- Queenie_5_hole

Well there are some at 19 who excel in NHL, and i really don’t think Jack got ‘lit up’, but rather he needs to gain some size and grow into his frame. I don’t think he had a horrible year, but i think his physical maturity (or lack of) and the Devils constant (frank)ing inexplicable need to shuffle lines constantly even over multiple coaching tenures are what made the season “subpar” for some people.

What i really meant was those of us who are not elite talents, which is most people. The rest of us wouldn’t have the speed, vision, and sense to avoid a lot of other hits and thus...we’d get lit up.