AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
It is simply crazy to see how far this kid has come to practically being scratched at the WJC to making this team and excelling in a bit of a sheltered role. He has proven like you stated that when he messes up, he can get back and stop an odd man rush or quality shot attempt with his speed and crazy stick work.He is next to impossible to forecheck consistently. He is too quick and is really good when in tight spaces. You don't see him get hit that often, because his edge work, speed and hockey IQ keep him clean consistently. He thinks the game at a high level and plays at an incredibly high pace. I think the game speeding up and his teammates moving faster is going to help Hughes more than hurt him. Special player to be sure.
His play away from the puck has been IMO, next to Murphy the best of the group. I have no fears with him on the ice right now in whatever situation, and I think that is a testament obviously to his skill but to the staff as well for putting him in positions to succeed.
If the US gets another dman like Miller or Baun from the latests exits, have to imagine Hughes is the odd man out, and was probably told this as well...but from what I have seen so far, he has played really well on both sides of the puck and has generated a lot of chances from the point on our power play when Butcher isn't out there.