1. Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes is one of those players who reaches his prime in his early 20s — and hopefully never leaves it — not too mention he will turn 24 during the 2024-25 playoffs.
With a surgically repaired shoulder, this year is showing promise to a sequel to his 43-goal, 99-point season. Is 100 points on the table?
As long as the power play is decent, why not? He had nine goals and 22 assists on the power play in each of his last two seasons, and play like that should very much be the goal. Not only would this mean the Devils having the juice they need to get back to the playoffs, but it will mean big things for Hughes individually as a player.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Jack Hughes could become a Hart Trophy finalist, as he reaches his prime and plays at peak health. He he solidifies himself among the best forwards in the league.
In 2022-23, Hughes became the first Devils player with 40 goals in a season since Zach Parise scored 45 in 2008-09 in a 5-3 win against the Ottawa Senators on March 25, 2023. So far this year in the Global Series, he played in both games and logged two assists.
Hughes is in prime. This year is his year.