THREE THINGS: Get to Know Jack Hughes

VANCOUVER, BC -The New Jersey Devils have been on the clock since they won the 2019 NHL Draft Lottery on April 9. That gave them the pick of the litter and the Devils used the first-overall selection on a dynamic, impactful center. Here are three things to know about Jack Hughes.

1. FAMILY DYNAMIC

The Hughes bloodlines run deep in the sport of hockey. Hughes' mother, Ellen, played soccer, lacrosse, and hockey at the University of New Hampshire and is a former member of the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team. His father, Jim, was a member of the U.S. Selects Team that won the 1988 Spengler Cup. Jim has also been a coach and has worked in player development at several levels of hockey. Jack's brother Quinn was taken seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018.

2. BREAKING RECORDS

Hughes showed at the 2019 Under-18 World Championship why he was a top prospect. He finished the tournament with 20 points, adding to the 12 he had in 2018. 32 total points in his U-18 Tournament career beat the record of 31 set by Alex Ovechkin (2002).

3. FAST & FURIOUS

Hughes' greatest asset may be his speed. International Scouting Services ranked Hughes as their best skater in the draft. His ability to make plays at high speeds sets him apart from the pack.
"He does everything with quickness, so even if he doesn't score he's probably drawing a penalty in the process because guys just can't catch him with all that dynamic play, that creativity and the hockey smarts," said Senior Writer for The Hockey News Ryan Kennedy.
"I have a saying about Jack," said TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button. "He becomes immediately dangerous when his blades hit the ice. He's got that capability to see things quickly and be able to take advantage of it."