JACK HUGHES

Center
6’0/165
Left
Northeastern Univ./NCAA

Related: Joakim Kemell

Jack Hughes is not related to Jack Hughes, who was selected 1st overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2019, but he did play for the U.S National Team in the USDP and the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL. The New Jack Hughes has an entirely different array of skills than the 2019 first overall pick, and while he may not have the high-end production. He still projects as a great two-way center and a 1st round pick in next years’ draft.

Size/Strength Good
Skating Great
Shot/Scoring Good
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Good
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Play Great
Hockey Sense Great
Competitiveness Great

Strength

1. Plays a responsible two-way game and shows a knack for setting up teammates with his playmaking ability.
2. He shows strong defensive awareness, positioning his body, and his stick well to close off passing and shooting lanes.
3. Performs well in the face-off circle, forecheck, and backchecks aggressively, and has a good understanding of what’s required of him in every situation.

Weaknesses

1. Doesn’t have any Elite Skills.
2. Has a limited upside.

Scouting Report:

In two seasons with the USNTDP, Jack Hughes accumulated 72 points in 87 games, racking up 50 assists during his time with the program. He also represented Team USA in the U17 WHC in 2019-20, totaling seven points in six games as they secured a silver medal after falling to Russia in the finals. He also participated in the 2020-21 U18 World Championships where he had two points in four games. Hughes is a true “Jack” of all trades. He performs well in the face-off circle, forecheck, and backchecks aggressively, and has a good understanding of what’s required of him in every situation. In the offensive zone, he tactfully uses dekes to lure the opposition in and create space for himself to distribute the puck. He can occasionally be found guilty of making an extra pass, rather than taking a shot on goal. On the power play, he plays the bumper role to give him the option of shooting or being the central distributor. He shows a willingness to dig in and play a gritty game along the boards at both ends of the ice and shows strong defensive awareness, positioning his body and his stick well to close off passing and shooting lanes. At 6-0 and 165 pounds, he isn’t the biggest guy out there but he uses his body effectively in puck battles and outsmarts his opponents. Jack Hughes is comparable
to Bo Horvat, in terms of playstyle, and he could end up being an effective 2nd line center in the NHL. He should be a top 20 pick in the 2022 draft.

Skill: Effective two-way pivot who plays an intelligent and responsible game.

NHL Comparison: Bo Horvat

NHL Potential: 2nd/3rd line Center

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2019-20	U.S. National Team U17 Team	USDP	49	14	38
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	29	8	18
2020-21	U.S. National Team U18 Team	USDP	38	8	34
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	14	1	8
2021-22	Northeastern Univ.	NCAA	10	3	5