Ondrej Palat Compares Devils' Young Star to Nikita Kucherov
When Jack Hughes was drafted first-overall in 2019, he would soon become the first player in NHL history to jump directly from the USHL to the NHL. Although his first couple of seasons were rife with frustration -- both for lack of production and inability to stay healthy -- Hughes showed last season that he is the real deal, scoring 56 points in 49 games; a 94-point pace.
New Jersey Devils' forward Ondrej Palat, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract this summer, has fit right in beside Hughes so far this preseason. The two skated together on the Devils' top line in both games featuring the pair, and in those games Hughes and Palat combined for 4 points.
Palat recently said Hughes reminds him of one of the Czech's former teammates, Nikita Kucherov. Considering Kucherov has an Art Ross Trophy, a Hart Trophy, and a Ted Lindsay award in his trophy case, that is kind of a big deal.
On Hughes, Palat said: ''Jack actually reminds me a lot of 'Kuch.' ... A lot of skills, he works a lot after practice, too. He likes to do the extra skill stuff that star players and superstars do a lot. I definitely see it in him since I had a chance to play with him in a couple of preseason games and, definitely, he has that.
"He has that thing that he can take the next step and have a really, really good season and lead this team.''
"He has that thing that he can take the next step and have a really, really good season and lead this team.''
High praise for the 21 year old, currently entering his fourth NHL season. The start of Hughes' career is awfully similar to Kucherov's to boot.
In Hughes' first 166 games, he has 108 points (.65 points/game); in Kucherov's first 134 games, he scored 83 points (.62 points/game). Since his first couple of seasons, Kucherov has emerged as one of the most talented hockey players on earth.
Palat's assessment is sure to jazz up Devils' fans, who are desperate for their team's return to the glory days. If Jack Hughes can put together a full season, the sky is the limit.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 340 ANSWERS Ondrej Palat Compares Devils' Young Star to Nikita Kucherov Will Jack Hughes ever reach Kucherov's level? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 22.1 % |
| No | 265 | 77.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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