The USA Olympic team is advancing to the Semifinals after a thrilling overtime victory against Sweden. This win highlights the Americans' versatility and their ability to shine when it matters most. Jack Hughes has emerged as a standout player on a team full of talent, and his performance is turning heads.
For New Jersey Devils fans, Hughes' Olympic form is a tantalizing glimpse of what he can achieve when paired with the right teammates. In the Olympics, he's been playing alongside Brock Nelson, a center known for his physicality and playmaking ability.
This partnership has allowed Hughes to showcase his skills to the fullest. The Devils are on the hunt for their own version of Nelson, a quest that's easier said than done.
The Missing Piece for the Devils
The idea of adding a key player has been on the Devils' radar since the offseason. Ideally, they would have loved to bring in Jack’s brother, Quinn Hughes. The star defenseman, now with the Minnesota Wild, could have been a game-changer for the Devils, potentially elevating them into playoff contention.
Speculation has also swirled around the possibility of acquiring elite talents like Tage Thompson or Jason Robertson. While these players would certainly complement Hughes, the Devils' current struggles suggest that now might not be the best time for a blockbuster trade.
This is a situation to revisit in the summer. Securing a top-tier forward remains crucial for the Devils' future success. Without this addition, the Hughes era could mirror the frustrations of recent seasons.
Drafting a Future Star
Given the Devils' current performance, they’re likely to secure a top-five pick in the upcoming draft. With the seventh-worst record in the NHL by points percentage, a poor finish could position them well in the draft lottery. This year's draft class is rich with talent, and even the fifth pick could yield a transformative player.
Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg could be potential top picks, but if either falls, the Devils might have a chance to snag them. Other elite forwards like Tynan Lawrence or Caleb Malhotra could also be in play. While there are promising defensemen available, the focus should be on finding an ideal partner for Hughes.
Adding a player like McKenna, Stenberg, or Malhotra could significantly enhance Hughes' game. Though these prospects will need time to mature, their potential to become complete players is undeniable.
Internal Solutions for the Devils
There's always the option of moving Hughes to the wing, a strategy the Americans successfully employed during the Olympics. Pairing him with Nico Hischier could be a way to maximize his impact, at least in theory.
However, Hughes is a natural center, and the Devils should focus on maintaining his role rather than shifting him around. The priority should be finding a forward who complements Hughes' style of play.
Interestingly, if the Devils had acquired Nelson last season, their situation might be different. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of this combination wasn't evident until now. Without a player like Nelson or even a high-performing JT Miller, the Devils must continue their search for the right fit.