2568x1444LukeHughes

AGE:17
COUNTRY:USA
HEIGHT: 6-2
WEIGHT:176
POSITION:Defense
SHOOTS:Left
DRAFT YEAR PRODUCTION:USNTDP (U-18) 38GP, 6G, 28A, 34PTS; USNTDP Jr. 18GP, 4G, 11A, 15 PTS
RANKING: No. 4, North American Skater by Central Scouting

WHAT'S THE BUZZ

"Whether he's walking the blueline with his impressive lateral mobility or cutting into the home plate area with his agility and quickness, Hughes understands how to put pressure on his opponents."
- Tony Ferrari, Dobber Prospects

CUT TO THE CHASE

There's another Hughes brother up for grabs at the 2021 NHL Draft. The youngest of the Hughes brothers - Quinn (Vancouver) and Jack (New Jersey) - has paved the way for all three to be selected in the first round. That's exactly where Luke is expected to go in late July.
Much like his brothers, Luke comes with hockey playing pedigree but does possess one thing his brothers do not: size. He's the tallest and heaviest of the three brothers, and at just 17 years old is among one of the youngest players in the upcoming draft.
Although taller than his brothers, he still possesses the same smooth skating and explosiveness that makes him stand out in this year's draft. It is one of his strongest assets and coupled with his offensive ability makes him an attractive option for any team looking at the draft board. Watch the way Quinn and Jack elude their opponents with their skating, Luke can do it just as easily. He can quarterback a power play among his peers and has an eye for the offense. An offensive-defenseman, Hughes has an elite transition game, handling easily zone entries and exits. His defensive game isn't quite as refined as the other parts of his game but that is no means to shy away from a player like Luke who has tremendous upside.
His draft season was cut short due to a lacerated foot tendon when he was cut by a skate in a game, an injury that required surgery and kept him out of the U18 Worlds. However, Luke finished his rehab and has been skating for nearly six weeks. He told the media Tuesday that he feels nearly 100 percent.

DID YOU KNOW

Luke is one of the youngest players eligible to be drafted in 2021.
Eligibility for the 2021 NHL Draft runs for players born between Jan. 1, 2001 and Sept. 15, 2003. Luke was born Sept. 9, 2003; just six days short of having to wait another year for his draft year.