The New Jersey Devils, and specifically Jack Hughes, has been the subject of rumors all offseason. Despite repeatedly speaking about his desire to represent New Jersey, those looking for something to talk about consistently talked about how Jack Hughes could follow the his fellow Team USA teammates Brady Tkachuk, Zack Werenski, Connor Hellebuyck, and Dylan Larkin by asking for a trade.
There are some obvious differences here. While the Devils have struggled, most believe they have the foundation of a contender. Yes, it has to work, but the development of Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and his brother Luke Hughes gives them the pieces to compete with anyone once they get someone competent to build around them. That’s been inconsistent at best for the rest of the Team USA standouts.
Also, like he just mentioned, his brother plays in New Jersey. And that leads to the other point. Quinn Hughes is driving a lot of this discourse. Hughes was jettisoned from the Vancouver Canucks in the middle of last season, and while the Devils had a shot to get him, he ultimately went to the Minnesota Wild.
Since then, Devils fans have circled the wagons, trying to convince everyone that an extension in Minnesota isn’t the most likely scenario. The fact that we are two and a half months since Hughes became eligible for that extension isn’t helping the conversation.
Speaking of conversation, Jack Hughes sat down with Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman, with the interview being released on 32 Thoughts on Monday. The conversation went in a few different directions, including Quinn’s future, scoring the Golden Goal, and his relationship with Sunny Mehta.
Jack Hughes talked about Sunny Mehta and Tom Fitzgerald with Elliotte Friedman
It started with a comment on Tom Fitzgerald, the former Devils GM, and it went from there.
"I love Tommy Fitzgerald. But, you know, our team under performed and now we got a new GM, fresh faces. "Jack Hughes via 32 Thoughts
While Hughes loved working under Fitzgerald, everyone understands that a change was needed. That's what the Devils did. And let's not pretend Hughes wasn't at least a small part of the hiring process. However, he just hasn't had time to get to know his new front office leader.
"I haven't really talked to (Sunny Mehta) much. I'm sure I'll get to know him over the year better, but I think he's been busy just first GM job figuring everything out. I'm one of the least of his worries. "Jack Hughes via 32 Thoughts
Now, many are running away with this quote. He spoke so much about how he wants New Jersey in a good spot. He is excited about moves they made, including trading for Luke Evangelista. He talked about how he couldn't picture Nico Hischier anywhere else.
Hughes is definitely completely committed to New Jersey, and with four years left on his contract, it's obvious why. All the Devils have to do now is win.
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