3. Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes has heated up over the past month. There’s been a lot of disappointment this season, including Hughes missing 16 games due to injury. After returning from the Injured Reserve for the second time this season, Hughes’ lack of contributions, placement in the lineup at wing instead of center, and not taking face-offs left us wondering if he was still injured and playing through it. He wasn’t looking like the player who can carry the team on his back when needed. Now he looks like that star again.
The Devils are at their best when their star is firing on all cylinders. Hughes has eight points in the last five games and 14 points in the last 12 games. He has scored five goals in the past four games. Hughes is a key reason why the power play has been more successful lately. He has four power play points in the past five games.
Hughes is integral to the Devils’ core. It’s clear that this core group is capable of going far once they put everything together, and a big part of that is the chemistry Hughes has with other members of the core: Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and Luke Hughes. Last season, Jack Hughes set a new franchise record for points in a single season with 99 points. If Hughes can stay healthy for a full season, he’ll be breaking more records. A healthy Hughes can produce a 100-point season. Hughes will catapult the Devils to the next level.
These three players have a lot to contribute. The Devils aren’t done with their season yet. They're playing compelling hockey in the last few weeks of the season. Is their late surge too late? If it is, looking ahead to next season and beyond, there's a lot for Devils fans to look forward to.