26. Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes was meant to be a star.

Taken first overall by New Jersey in 2019, Hughes had already broken Clayton Keller’s all-time Points record in the United States Developmental Program, and nearly broke Auston Matthews’s record for Points in a single campaign.  Hughes was not just the best junior in the U.S.; he was the best in the world.

Hughes made the Devils immediately, scoring 21 and 31 Points in his first two years.  He was not an immediate star, but New Jersey was not concerned, as the talent was there.  After that, Hughes battled injury, but scored 56 Points in 49 Games, made the All-Star Game, and showed the Devils fans what was to come, which was a 99 Point year, where he was second in Lady Byng voting and was eighth for the Hart.  He also added a second All-Star Game to his ledger.  Two years ago, the superstar dropped to 74 Points, and had only 70 Points the year after, but in both seasons, he missed significant time.  

Hughes enters this season as a potential Hart Trophy winner and is the straw that stirs the drink on an improving New Jersey club.