The 2023-24 season was not a great one for the New Jersey Devils or star centre Jack Hughes. He missed 20 games across two stints last season and finished his season early due to shoulder surgery. He still managed 27 goals and 74 points across 62 contests, but it was a disappointing season considering his upside and the team’s expectations. Let’s look at his last few years, what to expect in 2024-25, and how he stacks up against other top options. 

At 23-years-old, Hughes is entering his prime. He also has a lot of talent around him with Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier on the wings, brother Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton on the blue line, centre Nico Hischier to help with the power play, and solid depth elsewhere. This is a team that had a down year in 2023-24 but sustained numerous serious in