Luke Hughes talks brother Jack, Devils playoff run in Q&A with NHL.com

In NHL.com's Q&A feature called "Sitting Down with …" we talk to key figures in the game, gaining insight into their lives on and off the ice. Today, we feature defenseman Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils.

NEWARK, N.J. -- Luke Hughes has learned plenty during the Stanley Cup Playoffs about being a professional in the most stressful part of the season with the New Jersey Devils.

He's also discovered the pressure of playoff hockey has yet to get the best of his older brother and roommate, Jack Hughes. He shares an apartment with Jack, a 21-year-old forward, in northern New Jersey.

"I think I've been a good support system for him, just having a roommate around, someone to talk to and someone to share thoughts with," Luke said. "We're pretty chill, to be honest. We go to the rink and, because we're sometimes on different schedules, we'll go home and probably watch two movies a day and then watch hockey at night. We order DoorDash or bring food home from the rink. That's kind of it."

The 19-year-old has gained an appreciation of the importance of being a good teammate, showing support and being game-ready in case his number is called at any point.

The Devils won their Eastern Conference First Round series by defeating the New York Rangers 4-0 in Game 7 at home Monday. They will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round beginning Wednesday at Carolina.

"I've learned a lot and have seen a lot," Hughes, who has yet to play in the playoffs, told NHL.com. "I got the two regular-season games in and felt really comfortable about my game. Those were definitely great building blocks because it's all about learning things, right? It's huge for me to just see what it's like every day as a professional."

The defenseman, who was selected by the Devils with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, turned pro last month after two seasons at the University of Michigan. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils on April 8, two days after the Wolverines were eliminated in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. His oldest brother, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, 23, also played two seasons for Michigan before turning pro.

Luke had 87 points (27 goals, 60 assists) in 80 games during his two seasons with the Wolverines. He had 48 points (10 goals, 38 assists) in 39 games as a sophomore this season to help them go 26-12-3 and reach the Frozen Four for the second straight season.

He had two points (one goal, one assist) in two regular-season games with New Jersey this season, scoring in overtime of a 5-4 win at the Washington Capitals on April 13.

NHL.com caught up with Hughes after a recent morning skate to discuss his time with the Devils, Jack, and his future.

You sit next to veteran forward Curtis Lazar in the far corner of the locker room. How has that worked out?

"It's been great. I think we're pretty far away from everyone else in the locker room, so it's good. Curtis has been great. He's driven me to the arena, kind of taken me under his wing, and has been great so far. He's good to talk to as well. We discuss our draft seasons and stuff like that and he offers some advice here and there. Everyone has been awesome."

How have you enjoyed your short journey in New Jersey this season?

"I feel I can now prepare in summer and really be ready for next year and be in the moment when I'm called upon. They keep telling me to stay ready, that you'll never know what can happen, so I've been preparing myself and the coaching staff's done a good job with me. I'll be ready when they decide to go that route. The Devils usually conduct short practices. They do 1-2-3 drills and then they're off, so I was just trying to be ready, stay ready, and keep my conditioning up in practice. Just trying to get better every day. I feel more comfortable with coaching staff and I'm with them doing different stuff all the time."

Have you taken notice of how your arrival in New Jersey has Devils fans really excited?

"That's great to hear, but I don't know. I don't really check that stuff out. I kind of just stay in my own little bubble, talk to the same people. I'm really part of a small crew; I try to stay tight. It's something I think me, Jack and Quinn all do."

How great is it that you and Jack are there to support each other in good times and bad?

"I think all three of us have really good support systems with each other and then with our parents too. We've got a lot of people around that that can help us in those ways. Jack's definitely someone who keeps things tight to the vest, and that's because of his competitiveness. I think he's a guy that rises in the big moments, so I think he's done a great job this season. He did his best to lead this team."

Is there anything that has taken you by surprise about Jack in the playoffs?

"Growing up with him, I always knew he was one of the most competitive guys, if not the most competitive guy I've ever met. I think he wants to win so bad that you even see him lining up guys for a hit ... I've never seen him hit a guy in his life before the playoffs. I was fired up, he was fired up and that just rallies the guys around him when they see a guy like that hit someone, or block a shot or anything like that. Again, it's just a credit to his competitiveness and how bad he wants to win. The biggest players rise up in the biggest moments, and he's prepared himself for this."

You played with forward Adam Fantilli at Michigan this season, when he won the Hobey Baker Award as the best NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player. How good is he?

"We had some older leaders that led in different ways, but Adam really led with his play and competitiveness, and I don't think people realize how big of a leader he was and how people looked up to him and his game. He's a power forward with some skill and he's obviously got a really good scoring touch. He was huge for us. I would say he should go No. 1 (in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft), but I know there's Connor Bedard, so he should definitely go No. 2 if not No. 1 in the draft."

Were you very surprised with how the Florida Panthers upset the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference First Round and the Seattle Kraken knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference First Round?

"I mean, the Tampa Bay Lightning lost to Toronto after reaching the Stanley Cup Final last year ... and they won two championships in a row. It's crazy. I think that's why there are 16 teams in the playoffs. Anyone can beat anyone. That's why you play the game. You can pick your mock fantasy stuff, but at the end of the day, it's up to each player in that room. I watched that Florida series really closely and Matthew Tkachuk is a gamer. He's a really fun guy to watch, and they had a heck of a series coming back the way they did."