4. Luke Hughes – USNDTP
This was coming. Everyone knew it. With Jack Hughes already on the roster, there’s a chance the Devils could be dialing in for his brother. Putting the two on the same team, as talented as they are, could be the key to keeping them throughout their career. The Sedin twins spent their whole career with the Vancouver Canucks because that’s who drafted them and they made it a point to keep them there. The Devils could do the same with the Hughes brothers.
It’s not like it’s a reach to take Luke Hughes. He has the makings of a top-ten prospect already. Hughes is expected to be a monster on the power play this season. He will be a force for the U.S. program that made his brothers stars.
Hughes might be a top-ten pick, or he could fall slightly if the U.S. program has a less-than-stellar season once again. He won’t fall far, but if the Devils have a surprising season like they did in 2017-18, they could be in the mid teens. It’s more likely they will fall somewhere around 10-12, which is right about where Hughes is expected to go.
Hughes does need some development before he makes the jump to the NHL. He’s already committed to the University of Michigan, the same program that had his brother Quinn before he went to the NHL. It’s a smart move, as Michigan is going to need to replace Power next season and they will still have a stacked roster ready to compete in the Frozen Four again.