Prospect Info: Luke Hughes (#4 overall)

[Cheddabombs]

Not to be a downer but plays like this are what worry some people about Luke Hughes. That is absolutely terrible D. Others teams forwards get by him too often off the rush and in other situations. Really needs to work on that.

Yeah, I think when people said he needs to improve in those areas they weren't expecting that improvement days after being drafted, in his 2nd game back after months off. Give him at least a bit of time lol

 

[Captain3rdLine]

It’s whatever. He’s 17, and is playing in only his 2nd game back after being off how long? Plenty of time to work on that stuff at Michigan.

It’s not close to whatever but yes he has time to work on it. We’re aren’t talking about that one play. It’s something that happened to him too often before his injury and he really needs to work on.

 

[My3Sons]

He played the puck and not the man. He also let himself get flat footed against a guy with momentum. College practices will work that out.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Yeah, I think when people said he needs to improve in those areas they weren't expecting that improvement days after being drafted, in his 2nd game back after months off. Give him at least a bit of time lol

It’s not like I called him a bust just said he really needs to work on that

 

[Cheddabombs]

It’s not like I called him a bust just said he really needs to work on that

I know, didn't say you did and I agree he needs to work on it. But that growth takes some time

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

Not to be a downer but plays like this are what worry some people about Luke Hughes. That is absolutely terrible D. Others teams forwards get by him too often off the rush and in other situations. Really needs to work on that.

 

[RememberTheName]

Yea I mean, that play just confirms what most of us already understand about Luke. He is plain and simple a very bad defensive player.

It's not like he can't improve, but it takes time. There is absolutely no chance in hell I bring him into the NHL after one year at Michigan, as there is no way his defensive game will be anywhere near NHL ready after only one year at college. The kids got a lot he needs to work on on both the defensive and offensive side of things. He wasn't selected 4th because of what he is right now. He was selected 4th because of what he can become. Be patient and we will be happy.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

There is lots of better players than Lysell in the NHL and regardless of who it was any decent hockey coach will tell you that is not even close to how you’re supposed to defend. That was literally minor hockey defending.

well its a good thing he isnt going to the NHL in 2 months then huh?

 

[Emperoreddy]

Isn't this like his second game back since he got hurt?

 

[The 29th Pick]

he's young, he's got some growing to do and a lot to learn still

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

I'm not sure what being hurt before has to do with him handling that play terribly. It's a known thing he is not good defensively right now.

 

[HyperX]

Damn that play was pretty tough to watch

Vancouver could use the cap space, quick lets trade him for Quinn

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Isn't this like his second game back since he got hurt?

Completely irrelevant. I wasn’t talking about this one play this was an example of a problem he has and needs to work on.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

well its a good thing he isnt going to the NHL in 2 months then huh?

What?

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

Completely irrelevant. I wasn’t talking about this one play this was an example of a problem he has and needs to work on.

well i'm glad you posted that because there's been some ridiculous expectations from people (just like there was with Jack). I would not be surprised if it took 3 years for Luke to be up full-time (but i'm being hopeful for 2, definitely not less than 2).

 

[Hisch13r]

well i'm glad you posted that because there's been some ridiculous expectations from people (just like there was with Jack). I would not be surprised if it took 3 years for Luke to be up full-time (but i'm being hopeful for 2, definitely not less than 2).

Most people have been very clear that they're expecting 2 years.

 

[My3Sons]

Isn’t he still 17? Plenty of top notch 17 year olds make mistakes based on overconfidence and underestimating the opponent. He will learn.

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

as I said, you can teach players to become even average defenders

you cannot teach players how to skate and transition the puck like Luke does

 

[Capt Nico Poo]

Oh no, Luke made a bad play. I think i smell smoke, is the Devils' head office on fire?

 

[Emperoreddy]

Honestly 2nd games in a WJC showcase mean little to me.

How he looks in Michigan is where I am most curious.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Most people have been very clear that they're expecting 2 years.

Check out my Draft Day One Recap thread for more detailed report on Luke Hughes' ETA. He's young, and two years at Michigan would really benefit him. Especially considering his draft-eligible season was derailed by injury. No need to rush the kid, his upside is immense.

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

Check out my Draft Day One Recap thread for more detailed report on Luke Hughes' ETA. He's young, and two years at Michigan would really benefit him. Especially considering his draft-eligible season was derailed by injury. No need to rush the kid, his upside is immense.

I was debating if I should bring it up or not but now that you're here, there were definitely people who were thinking Luke would be ready in 1 year. Only after you posted to expect 2 years did people lower their expectations.

I personally would be absolutely floored if he was ready in 1 year.

 

[TheUnseenHand]

Buuuuussssstttttt. Add him to the pile with Zacha, Nico, Hughes, etc.

 

[Figgie]

Luke is a true Devil!

 

[RememberTheName]

Luke is a true Devil!

I'll be expecting at least 3 of these a year or else he's a BUST.