New Jersey Devils 2026-27 Player Projections: Jack Hughes

In the Devils’ first game of the season, Hughes recorded an assist. Three games later, he scored his first goal on Oct. 16. October was a strong month for him, because on Oct. 21, he recorded a hat trick. He scored a second hat trick on March 7 against the New York Rangers. His impact on the score sheet was palpable in each game. Out of the 61 games he played in, there were only 18 where he didn’t record a point.

Hughes was also named to the US Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games. In six games, Hughes recorded three assists and scored four goals, most notably the overtime game-winning goal to take down Canada and secure the gold medal for Team USA. Hughes was already a huge hockey star, but scoring that goal rocketed him to even bigger hockey stardom.

Expectations for 2026-27

Heading into the 2026-27 season, the expectations for Hughes will be the same: continue to produce points. Even playing in 21 fewer games than Jesper Bratt, Hughes recorded 66 more points than his linemate. Hughes has been the Devils’ most consistent point producer, so the team will expect him to do the same again this season.

Hughes will remain a part of the Devils’ top six, centering the second line with Bratt on his wing. During the offseason, the Devils picked up several new players in the hopes of upgrading the team at forward. One of those offseason additions, Luke Evangelista, will likely play as Bratt and Hughes’ right wing. The 24-year-old recorded 77 points last season. Another serious offensive threat, the combination of these three players in the Devils’ top six will be a huge offensive threat to any opposing team.

Upcoming Milestones

Hughes ended the 2025-26 season with a total of 429 games under his belt. If he remains healthy, he will reach Game 500 before the end of the season, and playing in all 84 will get him to 513 games.

He currently has 168 goals and 260 assists to his name, for a total of 428 points. If it were any other player, it might be difficult to say whether or not they could reach 500 points before the end of the season. For Hughes, that’s a walk in the park.

Before the season is over, there is a high probability of Hughes scoring his 200th NHL goal, recording his 300th NHL assist, and 500th NHL point. Since the 2022-23 season, he has recorded 70-plus points each regular season. As Hughes continues to level up his play style, he will want to keep this incredible streak alive.

Projections for 2026-27

My bold prediction for Hughes is that he will record his first 100-plus point season. He was close in 2022-23, where he had 99 points in 78 games. As long as he stays healthy this season, and with the help of his great offensive linemates in Evangelista and Bratt, Hughes should have no issue reaching this incredible accomplishment.

Other Projections 

• Nico Hischier
• Jesper Bratt
• Timo Meier
• Dawson Mercer
• Luke Evangelista
• Evan Rodrigues
• Jesper Boqvist
• Connor Brown
• Arseny Gritsyuk
• Cody Glass
• Anthony Mantha