Connor Bedard was recently named the NHL's Rookie of The Month for the second consecutive month. Bedard has been incredible this season and will most likely win the Calder Trophy barring anything catastrophic happening. However, Luke Hughes is still having an impactful rookie season for the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, it's overshadowed due to Bedard's hype and fast-growing popularity.
He collected five points (three goals, two assists) during the Christmas week in three appearances. He also rides a three-game goal streak entering the matchup against the Washington Capitals. Hughes currently leads all rookie defensemen in points (21) and has been a big power-play catalyst for the Devils. He sits third on the team in power-play points (10), trailing his brother Jack Hughes (20) and Jesper Bratt (20). The Hughes brothers are one of the reasons why the Devils have the second-best power play in the NHL.
It's also impressive to see what they're both capable of doing at 5-on-5. Luke Hughes made headlines a few days ago when he had a coast-to-coast game-tying goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets. That move reminded old-school fans of what Scott Niedermayer used to do back in the day. However, newer Devils fans have seen Jack make that type of move before. Pucks & Pitchforks had the chance to speak with Luke about the strong support he has received from his family during his first official season in the league.
"I think he [Jack] gives me pointers. Both of them [Jack & Quinn] do. He's [Jack] a great support system for me. Both of them are and my parents. It was good to get home for Christmas break, I'll say that. "Luke Hughes
"He's [Jack] a great support system for me. Both [Jack & Quinn] of them are and my parents. It was good to get home for Christmas break, I'll say that."
— Trey Matthews (@treymatt4) December 28, 2023
Luke Hughes says that his entire family has been very supportive during his rookie year. FOE ❤️#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/xObI3lbqQT
While Hughes has been a huge weapon for the Devils offensively, he still has a lot to work on from a defensive standpoint, similar to his defensemen teammates. He acknowledged some of the flaws that they need to fix.
"Limiting the turnovers a bit. Make a play when the play is there. When it's not, get it in behind them, and get to work. That's probably one area that we need to work on a bit."Luke Hughes
While Bedard was named the Rookie of the Month, Luke Hughes was recently named the Third Star of the Week for his aforementioned five-point Christmas week. That wasn't limited to rookies, as Sebastian Aho and Artemi Panarin edged out the youngest Hughes brother. It shows that while Bedard is getting the headlines, Luke Hughes is getting similar production.
Like his brothers, Luke Hughes has a bright future in this league. He's been showcasing his ability to rack up points and has helped a lot on the power play. Don't let the attention surrounding Bedard conceal Hughes' electric start to his Devils' career.