Jack Hughes
Being selected first overall can be both a privilege and a burden. Jack Hughes has experienced both sides of the coin during his hockey career.
After making a name for himself with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), Hughes entered the 2019 NHL draft. While he joined the New Jersey Devils as the top pick, immediate success wasn’t on the cards. Instead, his professional career was a slow burn.
During the 2022-23 campaign, though, both the Orlando native and the Devils clicked into high gear. The center is finally looking like a legitimate game-changer, and his club are near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. While future success is never a guarantee, Hughes has certainly proved that he’s worth the price of admission.
Birthday: May 14, 2001
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Current Team: New Jersey Devils
Jersey: No. 86
Nicknames: Gentleman Jack
