5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Could Help Playoff Teams Now

Jack Hughes to the Hurricanes

Jack Hughes was the Devils’ best player this season. He was the team MVP if there was one. He drove play better than anyone and was on another level when it comes to playing off the puck. His takeaway numbers were at the top of the league, and he provided a lot more than just offense this season.

Playing that way is exactly how head coach Rod Brind’Amour brought the Carolina Hurricanes from fun playoff teams to true Stanley Cup contenders. They are the number-one seed in the Central Division, and they are preparing for a meeting with the Nashville Predators. Maybe Hughes has a little edge in the series since he’s facing his former head coach in John Hynes.

This would be a move for the entire postseason. Putting out a 1-2 center combination of Sebastian Aho and Jack Hughes would be epic. They would be able to set up whoever gets paired with them. The way the lines match up right now, Hughes would probably get Andrei Svechnikov on his wing. Seeing Hughes with someone who has that skill set would be a sight to see.

Hughes might push the Hurricanes to one of the favorites. They are currently fifth in Vegas odds, but there hasn’t really been a team that’s stood ahead of the pack. The Hurricanes adding Hughes to what’s already a top-seeded team would be hard to top of any team in the league.