Devils' Hughes' recent hot streak has him on career-best pace

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (86) scores against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Devils center Jack Hughes' recent hot streak has him on career-best pace

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 12:01 AM ET

The early-season success of the red-hot New Jersey Devils has been in large part due to the scoring touch of Jack Hughes.

The former No. 1 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft led the Devils to their sixth straight win thanks to a hat trick on Tuesday night. Hughes' three goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs helped New Jersey pick up a 5-2 victory and also rocketed him up the list of the NHL's scoring leaders.

Hughes' hat trick now gives him six goals on the year. He's scored five in his last two games combined and six in his last three.

Prior to Tuesday's slate of games, the Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele, the Ottawa Senators' Shane Pinto and the Vegas Golden Knights' Pavel Dorofeyev were tied for the NHL lead in goals with seven.

A hat trick for Jack Hughes gives him six goals in three games pic.twitter.com/IfRfBk9xHB
— NHL (@NHL) October 22, 2025

Hughes, 24, has found the back of the net with ease recently after failing to score in each of New Jersey's first three games. The Devils are 2-1 in games Hughes doesn't score and 3-0 when he does so far this season.

Hughes is on pace to return to his past form

Now in his seventh NHL season, the Devils are hoping Hughes' recent tear sends him on a path to get back to where he was during his breakout season in 2022-23. Three seasons ago, Hughes set a career-high with 43 goals and 56 assists for 99 points.

Despite showing his true potential, Hughes has dipped back to his normal scoring level with 27 goals in each of the past two seasons. He scored 26 the year before he surpassed 40.

Will Hughes be able to keep up his current pace, and if so, will that mean the Devils go from fringe playoff contender to staying near the top of the standings come spring?

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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