New Jersey Devils: John Marino Eases Luke Hughes’ Adjustment
By Marci Rubin
The 2023-24 NHL season will see Luke Hughes transition into a full-time role with the New Jersey Devils. He debuted at the end of the 2022-23 regular season following the conclusion of his career at the University of Michigan.
The young defenseman helped the Devils end the regular season on a high note, scoring the overtime winner against the Washington Capitals to clinch a franchise-high 52nd win in a season. He then saw playing time during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
What does the youngest Hughes have going for him? Size, strength, and speed, to name a few things. His offense is already above average, and he should get plenty of power play opportunities. We could see him put up 50 or 60 points in his first season. Hughes’ defense has a lot of room for growth, which is why his linemate will be very important.
New Jersey’s blueline will look different this coming season without long-time Devils Damon Severson and Ryan Graves. Jonas Siegenthaler and Dougie Hamilton should stay together on a line. Hughes will presumably pair with reliable and steady John Marino.
Marino previously paired with Graves, who signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason. Prospect Simon Nemec is also in the mix, but he isn’t a lock to make the Opening Night roster like Hughes is since the Devils acquired Colin Miller, who is likely to pair with Kevin Bahl. Brendan Smith will likely be in a fill-in role.
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Hughes and Marino make sense together, largely due to Hughes’ offensive-minded game and Marino’s defensive-minded game. Marino will take care of playing clean, heads-up defense, freeing up Hughes to join the rush.
Why else are these two a great fit? Hughes will need time to adjust, and Marino will give him the support to do so. As a rookie, Hughes will surely make mistakes as he adjusts. A rookie season comes with inevitable growing pains, but they’re nothing to worry about in the long run.
Hughes has what it takes to excel at the NHL level. He can handle the pressure of big-game situations. Hughes played well in his first playoff game, Round 2 Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He collected two assists and displayed his elite skating ability. Game 4 was a different story, but to be fair, the team as a whole did not play well.
The youngest Hughes brother will be playing a full load of NHL games this season for the first time after two NCAA seasons. Adjusting to the 82-game schedule doesn’t happen overnight for any player transitioning from the NCAA or elsewhere to the NHL. Plus, if the Devils continue their upward trajectory, Hughes will be playing big minutes in meaningful situations come next spring.
Now armed with four years of NHL experience, Marino has found his stride in New Jersey. In his first season as a Devil, he showed consistency. He limits opponents’ chances and keeps the puck away from the goal. He is crucial to the penalty kill. Marino’s defense was sorely missed when he was out due to injury. He was impressive during the playoffs.
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Marino also has a knack for being the clean-up man. He’s the one who covers for teammates’ mistakes. His exceptional hockey IQ is sure to be especially useful while pairing with a rookie. Hughes and Marino will be an exciting and balanced pair to watch.
There’s a lot to look forward to with Devils hockey, and the emergence of Luke Hughes is certainly on the list. He’s surely in the conversation for the Calder Trophy. Although it will take time for Hughes to settle in, he’s poised to become an NHL star.