Each day this week leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 21 in Vancouver, we will be taking a look at the top prospects available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick.
Eleventh, and last, in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Jack Hughes.
Jack Hughes 2018–19 Team: Team USA U18 Date of Birth: May 14, 2001 Place of Birth: Orlando, Florida Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 170 pounds Shoots: Left Position: Center NHL Central Scouting Scouting: !st, North American skaters NHL comparable: Connor McDavid-lite
Jack Hughes’ elite skills set him apart from everyone else in the 2019 NHL Draft. Right wing Kaapo Kakko made a late run at the top spot by working his magic in the Worlds and against men in Finland. However, when New Jersey steps to the podium, it would me a major shock if Hughes’ name was not called.
An offensive wizard, Hughes has elite skating ability and off the charts hockey IQ. The Orlando, Florida native can reach top speed, a la Connor McDavid, in a blink of an eye. What makes him so dangerous is his ability to make plays at his top speed. His fluid stride and pound for pound strength make him tough to knock off the puck.
His vision is clearly superior to others in the draft. Hughes is able to find small holes in the defense that many others are not willing to go to or do not see. With the puck, Hughes reminds many of Patrick Kane as he makes passes that others would not see let alone make. Hughes is an expert at drawing defenses to himself or dangling to find time to make plays.
Hughes has the definition of “soft hands.” His ability to stickhandle in a paper bag is quite impressive to watch. The puck is in constant movement and next to impossible to take away from him while he finds the opening to make a play.
A quick release and bullseye accuracy allow him to beat unsuspecting goalies. Think: deadly accurate with his shot. Hughes’ wrist shot is only going to get better with strength and will be a great weapon for him. A team’s power play will run through him at the NHL level as he instinctively orchestrates movement around the offensive zone.
Hughes’ physicality is minimal but willingness to battle for loose pucks in front of the net and work hard along the boards to retrieve pucks is in his DNA. His determination outweighs his body mass. Hughes looks to have the intestinal fortitude to be great, work hard and take pride in his own zone.
Projection
Top-line center with Art Ross Trophy capabilities.
Hughes may not be the sure thing like McDavid or Sidney Crosby were coming out of the draft but he is close. The ability to control games when he’s on the ice will set him apart early in his career as he adjusts to playing at the highest level. He may take some time to see himself engulfed with the elite players at the top of the leaderboards, but his time should come.
Implications for the Blackhawks
None.
If Hughes drops to No. 3 in the draft, the Chicago Blackhawks organization should run to the podium and conduct a dance-off between Stan Bowman and Mark Kelley while John McDonough sings karaoke.
Also, anyone thinking the Blackhawks could trade up to No. 1 with their assets clearly should stop watching hockey.
He’ll end up in the Eastern Conference so enjoy his talents and root for him 80 games out of the year.
What others are saying
…many are calling the next Patrick Kane. His parents both played the game and his father is an ex-Bruins coach and minor pro coach, …gets things done with strong hands, terrific vision and quick feet. Great anticipation and the ability to hold pucks on his stick no matter where he ventures. He steers pucks through traffic; his terrific vision and edging make opponents scramble to where the play is going to open into a solid look. He can come to a dead stop, watch a crowd converge on his space, and wire a puck to the open spot of net. Has a terrific shot when he uses it too.
Bill Placzek – Draftsite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR7VH4Xirr4