The ability to control games when he’s on the ice will set him apart early in his career as he adjusts to playing at the highest level. Hughes may not be the sure thing like McDavid or Sidney Crosby were coming out of the draft but he is close. Top-line center with Art Ross Trophy capabilities. Hughes looks to have the intestinal fortitude to be great, work hard and take pride in his own zone. His determination outweighs his body mass. Hughes’ physicality is minimal but willingness to battle for loose pucks in front of the net and work hard along the boards to retrieve pucks is in his DNA.

A team’s power play will run through him at the NHL level as he instinctively orchestrates movement around the offensive zone. Hughes’ wrist shot is only going to get better with strength and will be a great weapon for him. The puck is in constant movement and next to impossible to take away from him while he finds the opening to make a play.Ī quick release and bullseye accuracy allow him to beat unsuspecting goalies. Hughes has the definition of “soft hands.” His ability to stickhandle in a paper bag is quite impressive to watch. Hughes is an expert at drawing defenses to himself or dangling to find time to make plays. With the puck, Hughes reminds many of Patrick Kane as he makes passes that others would not see let alone make. Hughes is able to find small holes in the defense that many others are not willing to go to or do not see. His vision is clearly superior to others in the draft. His fluid stride and pound for pound strength make him tough to knock off the puck.

What makes him so dangerous is his ability to make plays at his top speed. The Orlando, Florida native can reach top speed, a la Connor McDavid, in a blink of an eye. However, when New Jersey steps to the podium, it would me a major shock if Hughes’ name was not called.Īn offensive wizard, Hughes has elite skating ability and off the charts hockey IQ. Right wing Kaapo Kakko made a late run at the top spot by working his magic in the Worlds and against men in Finland. Jack Hughes’ elite skills set him apart from everyone else in the 2019 NHL Draft. Position: Center NHL Central Scouting Scouting: !st, North American skaters NHL comparable: Connor McDavid-lite

Jack HughesĢ018–19 Team: Team USA U18 Date of Birth: May 14, 2001 3 pick.Įleventh, and last, in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Jack Hughes. 2019 NHL Draft prospect center Jack Hughes (Photo Source: NHL.com)Įach day this week leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 21 in Vancouver, we will be taking a look at the top prospects available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the No.

Jack hughes nhl 19