C Jack Hughes - USNTDP (2019 Draft)

[HOPE]

This guy is gonna look great in an Avalanche uniform.

hahaha that would be one of the funniest thing ever. Unless Montreal have high lottery % wich they will, i'd be pissed.

 

[ijuka]

Unlike Matthews and Eichel, Hughes doesn't have the prototypical 1C size. He'll likely be a franchise winger

That's such an outdated way of thinking, dear lord. If Giroux is big enough, he's big enough.

 

[93LEAFS]

That's such an outdated way of thinking, dear lord. If Giroux is big enough, he's big enough.

Giroux was just moved to the wing, and pretty much the one exception to make it as a #1 NHL center. Giroux also plays a way grittier game than Hughes has demonstrated.

 

[ijuka]

Giroux was just moved to the wing, and pretty much the one exception to make it as a #1 NHL center. Giroux also plays a way grittier game than Hughes has demonstrated.

My point is that if it's been done, even by one person, it's not impossible.

Skill-wise, I don't think there's been anyone at Hughes's level trying to pick up the role of an undersized elite 1C in NHL in recent times.

 

[93LEAFS]

My point is that if it's been done, even by one person, it's not impossible.

Skill-wise, I don't think there's been anyone at Hughes's level trying to pick up the role of an undersized elite 1C in NHL in recent times.

Patrick Kane was a junior center, who was tried at center in the NHL for a brief period of time and moved back. I'd say he's pretty close to Hughes skill level. Clayton Keller looks to be a long-term NHL winger and so does Mitch Marner.

I'm not saying its impossible he'll be a center at the NHL level. But, when projecting him against Matthews and Eichel, his ability to play center comes with significantly more risk.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

Giroux was just moved to the wing, and pretty much the one exception to make it as a #1 NHL center. Giroux also plays a way grittier game than Hughes has demonstrated.

Barzal, Mat.

He's like the one exception.

 

[93LEAFS]

Barzal, Mat.

He's like the one exception.

Barzal is way thicker in build than Hughes is. It's not that Hughes is short, it's that he is also slight. The closest of recent guys in a comparable build who has had success in the NHL is Point.

Guys like Crosby, are short, but they are stocky as hell.

 

[razor ray]

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

Is he really returning to high school next year? Seems like a terrible decision

 

[Jtown]

if hughes was 3 inches taller he would be mcdavid.

 

[Cousin Eddie]

Mackinnon/Hughes is going to be a great 1-2 punch down the middle.

 

[M.C.G. 31]

Mackinnon/Hughes is going to be a great 1-2 punch down the middle.

sorry but the Habs already have his jersey ready

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Well, it's easier to add weight/strength than height...lol.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

if hughes was 3 inches taller he would be mcdavid.

thats an overexaggeration

 

[Jtown]

thats an overexaggeration

it is honestly the best way to describe him.

 

[Daximus]

it is honestly the best way to describe him.

He's not as fast but they have very similar skillsets. McDavids shot might have been a bit better. I feel like this kid is going to rack up a tonne of assists in the NHL though. The way he see's the ice, uses his edgework and stickhandling to open up space and then finds guys with pinpoint accuracy. It's amazing.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

it is honestly the best way to describe him.

The problems I have with that comp are his concern as a center at the next level and he's not the straight line player McDavid is or was. I see some comparisons in their game though. He's a more East-West type than McDavid is.

 

[Jtown]

when jack hughes enters the league the 3 best skaters in the nhl will be mcdavid , quin, and jack. I can't even think of anyone i would put in their level.

 

[Daximus]

when jack hughes enters the league the 3 best skaters in the nhl will be mcdavid , quin, and jack. I can't even think of anyone i would put in their level.

With the puck? Kucherov, Kane, Gaudreau, Ehlers, Connor, Marner, and Point are probably up there. Clayton Keller has some great wheels with the puck as well. Also Larkin and Grabner without the puck.

 

[PWJunior]

when jack hughes enters the league the 3 best skaters in the nhl will be mcdavid , quin, and jack. I can't even think of anyone i would put in their level.

Barzal? His skating is NHL elite.

 

[Jtown]

Barzal? His skating is NHL elite.

yes i would put barzal in there.

 

[Macch]

Barzal? His skating is NHL elite.

Can't wait for Barzal and Hughes playing together

 

[Thebesthockey]

Can't wait for Barzal and Hughes playing together

habs have it on the lock down for 1st overall

 

[Konk]

Barzal? His skating is NHL elite.

It'll be very easy to compare since they will be sharing the same sheet of ice every night.

 

[PWJunior]

It'll be very easy to compare since they will be sharing the same sheet of ice every night.

How do Hughes and Newhook compare? I'm getting a little nervous about the chatter in here about Hughes being more of a winger.