How Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt elevate each other’s game for New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt have been playing at a tremendous level since this season began. They have been linemates for quite some time now, and with each passing game, they feed off of each other's play. Last year, Hughes commented on how he and Bratt fit playing with one another. "It’s like peanut butter and jelly. We read off each other. Love playing with him.” They have indeed fit seamlessly, but what makes them click is what many are curious about.

The first thing is that they are both similar players. They each have a phenomenal playmaking ability. They can make crisp, tape-to-tape plays as well as put their teammates in the right place to finish. This includes finding one another on those passes. A great example is the Devils' goal of the year so far in their win back in mid-November. Bratt made a no-look pass from the top of the point on his backhand to Hughes, who one-timed it in for the game's first goal.

That play is a perfect case of the two teammates knowing exactly where they are going to be and how to get the puck from one to the other. It should also be mentioned that as of February 25th, 2025, Bratt is fourth in the NHL assists with 51. That's currently more than guys such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Quinn Hughes. Hughes is in the top 15 on that list as well with 42. Simply put, they are both super talented when it comes to distributing the puck.

The other big parts of their game is the ability to put the puck in the back of the net. Both Hughes and Bratt can beat you in several different ways. Their puck-handling abilities give them several different tools in their box to bury a shot. That's what leads to them playing so well together is that they each want similar things when it comes to placement of the puck and types of shots. They each can provide that to one another. There are examples like Bratt's goal vs the Montreal Canadiens on November 7th, 2024 that showcase exactly how in-sync the two are with scoring.

Per Natural Stat Trick, the duo has an averaged combined Goals For percentage (GF%) of 58.50% at 5 on 5. They also have combined for 53 points on the power play. While the Devils have had many exciting duos over their history, none have been more consistent or made as much of an impact offensively together then Hughes and Bratt. Every game, they create a multitude of opportunities for themselves and one another.

More analysts should be talking about how good Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt are as a pairing.

While they may not be on the same level with guys like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl or Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, they are one of the most dangerous pairings you will see night in and night out. They can create so many chances and make life miserable for the other team. As head coach Sheldon Keefe put it after a win vs the Canadiens right before the 4 Nations break, "We get Jack and Bratter out there on a favorable situation, and they make plays."

"We get Jack and Bratter out there on a favorable situation, and they make plays."

Sheldon Keefe

They are what makes this team go, and if they can keep this up now and through the playoffs, this duo will have New Jersey in a prime spot for a long run into June this season.