Jack Hughes is currently enjoying the NHL All-Star festivities, as he was named an All-Star for the second time at just 21 years of age.
Hughes has emerged to stardom this season, leading the league with 27 even strength goals, and already has 64 points in 49 games to lead the Devils to a second place spot in the Metropolitan Division at the break.
The young star is also getting quite the praise from some of the game’s all-time legends, including arguably the greatest of them all in Wayne Gretzky.
Speaking with Julie Stewart-Binks on Thursday night, Gretzky said of Hughes, “I think he’s the only one who can catch 97,” referencing Connor McDavid, arguably the brightest star in the league right now. McDavid, a fellow No. 1 draft pick, leads the NHL with 41 goals and 92 points, and if those numbers hold, it would be the third straight season that McDavid has led the league in points, and the fifth time in his eight-year career.
Even considering Hughes as a top candidate to reach McDavid’s level of stardom is quite the compliment, especially coming from Gretzky. Hughes has a ways still to go to be among the ranks of McDavid, but he has certainly emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars this season, and others are taking notice.
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