Florida matchups show just how important Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes are to Devils

After completing a road sweep of the Florida Panthers, the New Jersey Devils are in a great spot. Games in hand have something to do with it, but the Devils still woke up on Friday in first place in the Metropolitan Division. Even when considering points percentage, the Devils are still solidly in a playoff spot.

There are many reasons for this, but two players in particular deserve a large chunk of the praise. That would be Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, New Jersey’s two-headed monster down the middle. 

Of course, both of these players were selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils and are the pillars of their rebuild that led them to where they are today. It is a luxury to have two guys like this leading the way. 

Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes have both been incredible for the Devils

Hischier, the first overall pick in 2017, is a two-way center who does it all. He became the captain of the New Jersey Devils at a young age, and he has thrived in that role. Hischier is one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL, and he can produce offense at an elite clip. 

After a three-point night (0-3–3) night to end the South Florida portion of their trip, he has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 20 games. If he keeps producing like that, a Selke Trophy could be added to his resume at the end of the year. 

As for Jack Hughes, the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, his defensive game is getting much better as we move along, but being a force offensively is his game. After a slow start by his standards, he is going at full speed now. 

Like Hischier, Hughes had a three-point night as well. He had all three points come in the form of assists as well. At first, we thought one of the assists was a goal but a review determined it to be Dawson Mercer’s goal. 

Hughes looked as dynamic as he’s ever been for yet another 3-point game. Hughes is now up to 8 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 20 games played so far. His first 100-point season may be coming in his age-23 season which would be remarkable (he’s already had a 99-point season). 

Both of these guys provide offense and play well in all areas of the ice but in different ways. Having that type of balance makes it very difficult to play against an opponent. It isn’t shocking that the Devils are winning in bunches against good teams with them both in the lineup. 

Having wingers like Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Dawson Mercer amongst others is always nice but putting them with centers like this makes it even easier for them. New Jersey is hoping to have playoff success in the coming years and it largely comes down to these two.