Player Profile: Luke Hughes

Luke Hughes is one of three Hughes brothers currently playing in the NHL. Hughes was born on September 9, 2003, in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA on September 9^th, 2003. Hughes is related to many hockey players. At 6’2” and 198 lbs., Hughes is a big defenseman who has a unique ability to skate at his size. Hughes began his hockey career with the Little Caesars under-15 AAA team during the 2018-19 season. In 71 games played, Hughes scored 22 goals and added 61 assists. Where would Hughes continue his hockey career?

Continuing his hockey journey at the United States National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in his first season at the USNTDP, Hughes scored seven goals and added 21 assists in 48 games played as a 17-year-old. He also played 28 games for the USNTDP junior team, scoring four goals and adding nine assists in those 28 games. Hughes then made a move to the USNTDP national under-18 team. In 38 games played during the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, Hughes scored six goals and added 28 assists.

Hughes played two seasons at the University of Michigan. In his first season in Ann Arbor, Hughes scored 17 goals and added 22 assists in 41 games played as a freshman. The statistical output increased for Hughes as an alternate captain when Hughes scored 10 goals and added 38 assists in 39 games played during his second season with the University of Michigan. After earning Big Ten All-Freshman Honors in 2022, Hughes was named to the Big Ten First All-Star Team in 2023.

Luke Hughes was drafted by the New Jersey Devils with the Fourth Pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft

Luke Hughes was drafted by the New Jersey Devils out of the University of Michigan with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In his first season with the Devils, Hughes played in all 82 games, scoring nine goals and adding 38 assists. These 47 points set a rookie franchise record for the New Jersey Devils and led Hughes to finish in third place in Calder Trophy voting at the age of 20. Hughes seemed to understand what he accomplished.

“I’m pretty proud of myself and the year that I had,” Hughes said. “It’s a really tough league. Just to be nominated in the top three is a pretty good accomplishment. I’m just happy to be here.” Hughes continued by saying, “Playing all 82 games, staying healthy throughout the year is an accomplishment for me,” he said. “I’m proud of the season that I had. There’s a lot of room to grow for me and for the team.”