Michigan Hockey: A historic draft night for four Wolverines players

Pick #4: New Jersey Devils select defenseman Luke Hughes

The third overall pick would be an off-script pick since it should be Michigan Wolverines only. All jokes aside, when the New Jersey Devils were on the clock at fourth overall, there was no way they would not select Luke Hughes.

With the Devils selecting Jack Hughes in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft first overall, the chance to unite the brothers was just too good to pass up. While Hughes has not suited up in a Michigan hockey uniform yet, but he is committed there to play his collegiate years.

Hughes, another USNTDP product, is a defenseman, bigger than both of his older brothers with possibly similar projection and maybe even more to like than the oldest brother, Quinn. He’s a 6-foot-2, 183-pound defenseman with a left-handed shot.

With USNTDP between the USDP and USHL levels, Hughes logged 56 games with 10 goals and 39 assists for 49 total points from the blueline. Quite the offensive production

The Devils are getting a defenseman who can control play in the offensive zone, pass well from the top of the zone, put quality shots on net, and use good hockey-IQ to contribute. He’s a solid defender, and the solid offensive upside should make him an awesome addition to the Devils organization.

Not to mention, getting to play with his brother Jack should be an awesome experience. It seems like Hughes will likely be heading to Ann Arbor to join the Michigan Hockey program and play at the collegiate level.