Jack Hughes on pace to have worst rookie season by a 1st overall forward since Patrik Stefan in 1999

[psycat]

Injury risk is one big reason I could think of, but I feel it is negligible enough that he should have been in NHL this year.

Another reason would be confidence and not settling for backup role.

 

[NorCalhockey]

Playing with 18 year olds to playong with 28 year olds. Gotta expect a transition period. I think the Devils could have kept him back though. Ease that transition.

Agreed. Or, if the Devils insist on inserting him into the lineup, have him play a majority role on the wing. We shall see what we shall see in his sophomore season. Too bad Devils didn't make the playoffs/play-in because it'd be a nice story having both Hughes brothers playing their first ever playoffs in their rookie season.