Face of Nation : The New Jersey Devils drafted Jack Hughes with the top pick Friday night and the rebuilding New York Rangers picked Finland’s Kaapo Kakko No. 2 to create what could become an instant rivalry.
Hughes, 18, the eighth American to go No. 1 overall, was considered the top prospect from the start of the season until the finish, but in the second half of the season, many NHL scouts said Hughes and Finland’s Kaapo Kakko were neck and neck.
“A lot of the projections on Jack go back a couple of years now,” NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr told USA TODAY Sports. “The way he has approached this year – I just loved the discipline he has shown, the self-motivation and the way he has handled himself.”
Despite being injured, Hughes had 34 goals and 112 points in 50 games. Thirty of his goals came at even strength or shorthanded. Both Hughes and Kakko could play in the NHL next season.
Hughes also established a USA Hockey National Team Development Program record of 228 points in his two-season career.
“He’s put on a pedestal that carries an immense amount of pressure,” Marr said. “The way he has (dealt) and played through injuries … and the best thing is that everyone realizes the best is yet to come. He has the skill and the smarts to go out there and generate offense.”
Now, they will compete against other regularly in the Metropolitan Division.
Hughes is a natural center with speed, creativity, passing sharpness and a scoring touch.
