Records are meant to be broken. It’s a saying that feels as old as time itself.
Sunday night the Devils hosted the Predators for a game that both teams desperately needed as the push for the playoffs continues. And while the Devils’ playoff odds have been almost entirely extinguished, there is something noteworthy going on with one of their young defensemen.
Luke Hughes, younger brother of his teammate Jack and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes, entered the game on the precipice of authoring a new chapter in Devils’ franchise history. His next point – be it a goal or an assist – would make him the Devils’ record-holder for points by a rookie defenseman. He began to play Sunday night tied with Will Butcher for the top spot at 44-points. After Sunday night’s 3-2 shootout loss to Nashville, they were no longer tied.
Here’s how it happened…
1:49 into the first period Jack Hughes unleashed a sharp wrister over Juuse Saros’ right shoulder from the right circle to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. And guess who fed him the puck? That’s right, younger brother Luke. The tape-to-tape pass from Luke to Jack is something they’ve worked on since they were little kids and now that skill has led to the youngest Hughes brother becoming the Devils’ record-holder for most points by a rookie defenseman.
The assist, Luke’s 36th of the season, gave him 45 points, which broke his tie with Will Butcher for the team record. For everything that has been written and said about Luke’s occasional struggles on the backend this year, this record is a nice feather in his cap. It should also serve as a highlight when the Calder Trophy voting is tallied up. Luke won’t win the award but he should finish in the Top-5.
It’s also important to note Luke Hughes’ growth this season. He came in as a neophyte with high expectations and now, as the season winds down, he’s showing his growth as he often plays on the Devils’ top D-pair.
“I’ve got a lot of skilled players around me,” Luke Hughes said after the game. “That obviously helps. For me, it’s just getting better every day and feeling more comfortable every game. I’m 78 games in, hopefully, I’ll play 82, knock on wood. I think I’ve developed really well this year and I’ve liked my game all year. I just gotta keep it going and keep getting better every day.”
And speaking of his development, which has been undeniable over the course of the season, here’s what Luke feels he’s improved upon most. “My D-zone. Closing plays off quickly, moving the puck up quickly. My transition game. I think I’ve developed every aspect of my game. I’m just learning, trying to be a sponge and (I want to) continue to learn. (I’ve) got a lot of great people around me, a lot of guys giving me really good advice. (I’ve) just gotta keep going and keep getting better.”
Devils’ Interim Head Coach Travis Green said it best, “He’s a bright young player in The League (and should be) for a long time. He’s getting better and better and not just offensively, but in all areas of this game.”
A disappointing Devils’ loss but a record-setting night nonetheless. This is likely just the beginning for Luke Hughes as it pertains to setting Devils’ records.
