THIS is how Jack Hughes went from potential bust to NHL superstar… 

As a Devils fan, what surprised me the most about Hughes is his goal scoring. I always knew he would be a great playmaker, but I didn't expect him to on pace for 50 goals.

I'm glad you mentioned his confidence because that's the biggest difference-maker I've noticed this year. He's attacking the net aggressively and remarkably, he's making all the right reads. He shoots when he has the shot and makes the right passes when there's a player in better scoring position. This is a sign of a true star whose game is coming together.

Two major limiting factors effected Jack that first year, his slight size and his shot. In that first season Jack weighed in under 170 pounds. Any time someone got a free arm on him he flopped down like a traffic cone. Players who excel in the rush game can take slight contact as they brush by players and fight through checks, Jack could not. Even when he did get open, his finishing ability was an obvious problem. No matter how great the look was his shot was a muffin. That summer he packed on the muscle and gained the ability to fight through contact, but his finishing ability was still a problem. Year three he finally started putting the puck in the net, and now you're seeing the confidence you describe blossom and take his game to a whole nother level. The most impressive thing about Jack is his determination. When he sees a problem in his game, he fixes it. I'm so excited to see him continue to grow over his career, Jack is already one of the best Devils to ever lace up the skates and he could end up being the greatest.

Here's a few more observations, as a long time Devlis fan watching in at the Rock and on TV. His puck control is absolutely fantastic, and it allows him to make amazing changes of pace and direction, with total command of the puck on the stick. His 1-1 close quarters work is also amazing, and he stips the puck from opponents all the time, whilst generally winning 1-1 board battles. But if you want the most amazing aspect of this superstar ... it's his seeing-eye shooting. He shoots from almost flat to the goal-line, picking a 3 inch gap between goalie and post. He's intentionally banked the puck in off the goalie's helmet (instinctively turning from the head-hunting puck, only to see the carom into the net). And he's scored multiple times from below the goal-line, intentionally banking it off the goalie's skates, stick or ass. If you see it once or twice, you may mistakenly think these are flukes. But when you see the pattern, I am convinced this kid is on a totally different level to those around him. As a huge Kovalchuk fan 10-15 years ago, this kid is as genuinely electrifying on the ice as Kovy in his heyday. At this age ... he has all kinds of records in front of him.

great breakdown! Hughes is one of those guys thats just fun to watch no matter what team you root for

Hughes is so fun to watch. It seems like every time I check the devils box score he has a goal and an assist on a Bratt or hamilton goal.

So proud to be a Devs fan this season. Hughes really is out here doing wonders for the sport. Its exciting to watch.

The excitement and hype surrounding McDavid have also increased the level of impatience and eagerness for fans with their own prospects, as they compare their prospects to McDavid and want to see them reach a similar level of success. Nathan MacKinnon blossomed as a player at the age of 25-26. MacKinnon was drafted first overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, and while he had shown flashes of his potential earlier in his career. This is why fans need to be patient with prospects. Not all players develop at the same pace, and some may take longer to reach their full potential. Factors such as injury, coaching changes, and individual growth can all impact a player's development, and it's important for fans to be patient and understand that progress can be slow and uneven. By being patient and understanding that development is a process, fans can enjoy watching their prospects grow and improve over time, and appreciate their eventual success all the more.

I've been watching hockey my whole life, from the late 70s until now. I never in my wildest dreams as a young kid would have thought there'd be so much talent and skill like there is now.

I’m so happy he turned it around. He’s gonna be fun to watch for a long time

As a Devils fan one of the things that I noticed even after his rookie year is that even though it was a disaster his confidence never wavered. A lot of his missteps were the result of being too confident rather than too passive. It feels like he never doubted himself as a player. I think his mental makeup is top notch.

Man as a Devs fan, I knew he'd get to this point. But I didn't know how fast, thank God for Ruff and his coaching.

Sick breakdown. Watching Hughes’s game evolve has been incredible and you did a fantastic job highlighting exactly how he’s improved in every aspect. Guy is a flat out superstar and probably the best offensive talent to ever wear a Devils jersey.

Just imagine when he has a legit goal scoring winger. Kid is going to be even more ridiculous.

Continue doing those breakdowns it helped me a lot improving my game i love your content

Jacks defensive play is just as impressive as his offense. Hell you could throw the kid a goalie mask and he would still dominate just watch his 6 minute shift against the preds where we had an empty net for half of the 3rd.

Found your channel a few weeks ago, love the vids!

The Hughes brothers are insane.

His first few seasons remind me alot of Nathan Mackinnon. Watching him play you think "this guy's phenomenal why isn't putting up insane stats" then it kind of all works itself out. Sometimes it just takes a little time and patience!

Devils coverage = subbed ♥️🔥👹

Good tactical breakdown. I would also mention his physical growth as an obvious factor, but people seem to underrate his endurance. He is averaging over 20 minutes a night, but he looks like he gets even faster as the game goes on, which I think is part of the reason the Devils are so dangerous late in games and overtime. I'm interested to see how this translates over to the playoffs with the longer 5-on-5 OT periods.

Big Devils fan i think they have good chance for a deep playoff run

One of the few players that you can say is worth the price of admission to see play live.

Great breakdown HP!

best hockey youtube channel out there. glad your getting more subscribers!

Its really funny seeing all these videos during this season as someone who started watching Devils 4 years ago just because of Hughes. I think that everyone who watched Devils since Hughes came in to the league knew that this is what he would become except the scoring pace. It feels like a reward after defending him on all platforms in his first two seasons to see him now lol. Needless to say he was pretty damn good in his second season already.

Yea I frequently defended Jack his 1st 100 games or so, but anticipated him to be a solid PPG player who would probably have a lot of 30g, 50a type seasons. I never anticipated him being a 100 point player AND 50 goalscorer. Jack is unbelievable to watch now most games and only getting better. Granted his on pace for 53G and hasn't done it yet but I'm pretty sure he'll get close if he doesn't hit 50

A hart push will be really interesting. Mcdavid is obviously the favorite with his ridiculous year but hughes is giving him some pressure for sure. Look at the hall hart for example, it’s not just the highest scoring best overall in player. A player who can elevate a team to the next level like hughes has been doing and hall before him. Very curious to see hit it all shakes out through the next 30 or so games

He play very well this season, the team is on fire with him on the ice.

I’m not sure it’s fair to say “potential bust” seeing as it’s only took him like 3 seasons to become a superstar

We always want guys to succeed but man oh man is he so exciting to watch now compared to his rookie season.

Great breakdown. As a Devils fan, I am happy to see this improvement. I remember when Hughes had his first season. All my friends, even myself, were saying he was a massive bust. Then I remembered myself at 18. I was skinny as a rail. I could eat 4,000 calories/day and it would just go right out the back door. After remembering that, I just told my friends give him time. He's nervous, and very light. When you're 18, it is NOT easy to gain weight. Combine that with being nervous, and of course the first year or two is going to be a crap shoot. Sure enough, I was right. Hughes put on a little weight, gained some confidence, and the results have shown. Definitely NOT a bust. The fact we have him until 2030, is amazing. And if he continues on this path he's on, you never know. He could be going for Wayne Gretzkys record.

Let me say this, as someone who has watched almost 30 Devils games this season (including the opener against a Flyers team I've albeit given up on), Joonas Siegenthaler stepping forward, Vanecek as their number 1 (he beat last year's team wins leader in just 13 starts), and Jack Hughes absolutely smashing his year, it's not surprising in any way that NJ is a top contender in a difficult Metro division.

In NHL parlance, Hughes is royalty. He's already top ten and only 21. He'll get better and so will his team, and if management keeps adding pieces around him, then they'll bring home the trophy! It's not a matter of if but when. He's a marvelous talent and we're lucky to watch him play.

I'm an most definitely not a devil's fan but I can truly say im very happy that Hughes reached his potential, it would be great if New Jersey could get 1 or 2 more solid offensive minded forwards to compliment his style of play.

I (like most) had written him off until this season. He has found his groove now.

When he first came in the league I was like 🥴this could go south fast if he keeps getting injured but one thing I noticed was I never seen a player turn a 50/50 battle into a scoring chance. Literally every time he won the puck in a battle it’s a scoring chance. I’m impressed. But the injuries is a concern.

as a devils fan, most of us knew that going from the USHL directly to the NHL was insanely tough and the devils couldn't really shelter him but he has definitely grown since then. One really tough rookie year or even 2 doesn't make him a bust, not everyone is going to step into the league like McJesus and dominate from the get go

If the goalies can handle playoff pressure (like you know who could) and the devils tighten up the giveaways ...they play really well against the elite teams they may make it a few rounds or until they have to face the juggernaut that is that damn Boston team

Does anyone think he could be the next ovi but maybe better I mean in the video he can score from the left side on the power play and that’s exactly what ovi does but then he also is left handed so he could throw in the right which could easily put him over 50 goal pace a year which seems to be the ovi tactic. I love ovi but I feel the game is always getting better regardless of time I want some young player to beat All Gretzkys record and that shows a ton of improvement in the game!

Hughes is great I've been collecting him since he was a rookie and watching him since bantam's

I’ve said this a lot, but Jack Hughes is vision, play making, and control. That Trumps everything and he’s dangerous bc of it

Hughes is the most underrated superstar in the league buddy took a struggling nj team and put them on his back love to see it.

Hoping to see a video like this about Alexis Lafreniere in the future

Another term for 'button hook' is Gretzky turn -- there's a reason all the great playmakers have it in their game

Conference final against Boston Cup in 7 against The Seattle Kraken! 🖤😈 LGD! 🔥 got to get Timo Meier too if we want to get the cup!

What a family!!

Nearly a year later, this video has aged well. He was just a kid. He needed some time in the squat rack, and a bit of maturity to get there. And he's STILL a kid. Where were you at 22? I believe in Jack. If you don't believe me, Jack Hughes rhymes with F U.

Top flight talent right there

Major thing about Hughes is he got put in the spotlight quick amd as the main man but the talent he had couldn't be bust you could see it even his rookie year

He's turned into a superstar

I love this

It seems silly, but Hughes has done what few NHL players have done and has introduced the NHL to a newish market. I can not tell you how many teenage girls at my school know next to niothing about hockey but love jack hughes. He is good for the game - and not only because of his plays. he is akin to a joe burrow or even bryce harper.

Great Reporting .. Facts not Opinions..

This guy is the real deal

As a wings fan I’m glade the devil’s decided to take the season off, but I have a feeling the devil’s are going to become a real problem in the nhl for a long time

Jack Hughes is a Beast!!! lol 🖤😈, LETS GO DEVILSSSSS! If we get Timo Meier here soon at the trade deadline which I think we will beware because it’s over then for everyone and every team! Lol 😂 LGDDDDDD!

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

What a contrast with Laf13

Every true devils fan would’ve told you he wasn’t a bust or anywhere near. He just needed to get heavier and just grow as a man to get use to the difference of the ushl and the NHL. He’s been on a McKinnon path and he’s only going to get better from here on out.

He's in my opinion a top 5 player in the NHL.

Devils v avs final 👍

Once Jack dials in his nutrition and starts lifting, strength training as he comes into his Man Strength...he will be unstoppable. He is missing confidence in hitting. He is playing scared. Can't wait to see him play with total confidence.

and in time, he will attack the net when given opportunities like 1:52, instead of waiting for reinforcements.

He was never a bust ignorance is real here. We who watched his games from draft knew it was only a matter of time. He was showing flashes from day 1. He needed to grow into his adult body and learn to protect himself.

I think hes right there with mcdavid.....almost. hes so good. Nit a devils fan either.

LGD!!! MVP

He was never a bust or even near it. Weird take but great breakdown of his talents.

All hughes needed was another year of development and I believe he wouldve had the calder

Sure that's impressive. But saturday his younger brother scored 4 goals as a rookie at Michigan to beat Penn State, so his mom probably loves Luke more :)

Speed kills.

Hughes or bedard 🤔 who you got to be a bigger star

I think even in his rookie season he showed he was gonna be good. I remember telling fans that I knew who were already putting him down as a bust (ridiculous) not to worry, then told them to look up Joe Thornton's rookie season. What's impressed is that he's become a goal scorer this early in his career. It even took McDavid a while to up his goal scoring totals. I expect Hughes's goal total to remain higher than expected, while his assist totals get higher, especially as the Devils team gets better and their young guys get better at finishing. I saw Hughes initially almost as a Patrick Kane clone. He looked so much like Kane when you watched him on the ice. Kane became a 40 goal guy after a few years, but maybe Hughes can be a 50 goal guy with Kane's assist totals.

Well, he avoided getting drafted by the Vancouver Canucks.

He was never going to be a bust, there were always flashes that showed what he would be even from the jump.

Similar to McDavid. Pass first now he shoots

Jack Hughes was never a potential bust. He started playing against men all of a sudden on a super skinny frame. I remember Crosby getting his ass kicked all the time by the opponent. That’s how he had that nickname ‘Crybaby Crosby’ 🏒

What about Kadri?

Sevils Duck Tell the Seam

Hughes top 5 player, Devils round won

real fans always knew that if he bulked up a bit he’d be a stud

And just a draft year later, Lafreniere actually became a bust.

3:41 just like my be a pro player

The Devils will continue to pick up where they left off and they will finish 2nd in the Metropolitan Division

J'accuse!

How is he not the captain

what? giving hughes 1 year to develop and in his second year he's going off... doesn't sound like a bust to me

Here because he just broke the devils point record

was never a "potential bust", you people have absolutely no idea what that word actually means

Nah lol

Devils go to eastern conference finals and lose in 6 games this year. Stanley cup champions next year.

I happy for Jack to evolve to a elite player. That year Kappo Kaapo was suppose be just as great , but the Devil seem to know better how to develop a young player to evolve to the next step

Buddy was a bum for 3 seasons, has 1 good season; all of a sudden a superstar?! Lol

Nobody takes you serious when you need ALLCAPS to emphasize your opinion. Jack was always a generational talent. Do your homework.

Simple he wasn't drafted by Montreal lol.

Where's your vid on the Carolina Hurricanes? Aho? Or do you intentionally hold bias for Canadian teams?

Cuz he was never a bust 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Potential bust? lol. He's 21.

Only dummies that called Jack a bust was salty Ranger fans. Kakko, lol.

The NHL is a snorefest. Total garbage now. Bring back hitting, clutch and grab and fighting and the fans come back. A lot of these stars can't play in a league like that.