New Jersey Devils: 5 Goals To Achieve For Rest Of Season

Jack Hughes’ Superstar Status

Jack Hughes is heading to his first NHL All-Star Game. He is growing into the most well-known player on the Devils. That’s what they need out of him. They need Hughes to be that star. They need someone who can show them when the going gets tough, they will get going. Hughes has been somewhat streaky this season, but his overall numbers are good. He has 20 points in 20 games. However, 12 of those points came in a five-game stretch earlier this month.

No player is going to score every single game. Even Connor McDavid has six games this season without a point. However, Hughes has to find a way to be a threat on the score sheet on as many shifts as possible. He has been good at takeaways again. He ranks 21st in the league in 5v5 takeaways according to Natural Stat Trick. That’s despite only playing 20 games this season. He’s averaging more than one takeaway per game at even strength.

Just think about Nico Hischier’s overtime goal from a few weeks ago against the Washington Capitals. Hughes made a pass out front that was intercepted. He skated around the back of the net, stole the puck, passed it to Hischier, and the captain buried it.

This is the Jack Hughes Devils fans need to see for the rest of the season. We need the guy with the endless motor who’s always thinking about his next creative scoring opportunity. If he comes out and finishes the season with a point per game, then everything will be in good shape.