TRAINING CAMP: Hughes' Strong Offseason Evident in Practice

Devils center Jack Hughes had a unique opportunity after his rookie year - an eight month long off-season. During that time, Hughes focused on building muscle, getting stronger, and making improvements ahead of his second year in the NHL.
"It was more me taking care of me, and working on my game. Getting bigger, getting stronger, just developing my game, and becoming a better player," said Hughes on the team's media day. "I made eating my job this summer."

The results? 14 pounds of "pure muscle" according to Hughes, which his teammates saw when they hit the ice on the second day of training camp.
"Both physically and mentally he looks ready to go this year," said Devils veteran Kyle Palmieri. Palmieri played on a line with Hughes during the first on-ice practice of camp. "I appreciate the work he's put in over the offseason and like I said, it's something you really look forward to playing with a young dynamic player like that, and it was a great practice."
In addition to the muscle he's gained, Hughes said his off-season has given him a new mindset.
"I feel really confident. I'm ready for a breakout season," Hughes said.
The newfound confidence has already translated on the ice according to Palmieri.
"You look at how much muscle he put on over the offseason and that gives you the confidence to go into some areas that maybe he shied away from last year," said Palmieri. "We had a couple of drills where you're competing and battling against defenseman and he was right in there, and using his strength, and the things he worked on in the offseason."