Quinton Hughes – Left Defenseman – 5’10 173lbs – 18 Years Old – University of Michigan in the NCAA – 4gp 1g 2a 3p
I had to wait a bit to see how Hughes’ season would start in the NCAA. He hasn’t disappointed, in fact, he’s doing better than most expected for an 18 year old. He’s already taken command of the breakouts for Michigan and is their best scoring threat. Hughes has had an interesting development curve. He was born in Florida, but grew up in Canada to play his AAA hockey in Toronto. Then he went back to the States to play with their Development Team.
Despite some size issues, Hughes is fighting with Boqvist and Merkley for the crown of top “offensive… defenseman in the draft. Like a lot of modern defenders, he’s a gifted skater and puck mover. A player that likes to have the puck on his stick at all times and dictating the play. He’s shown at every level of play that he has elite offensive instincts and the ability to change the course of a game at will. He had 26 points in 26 games in the USHL last year which tied him for the team lead. This is a team that included last year’s 19th overall (and current teammate) Joshua Norris and expected first rounder’s this year in Oliver Wahlstrom and Brady Tkachuk. His ability to create offense is simply elite and his skating allows him to create odd man rushes.
Hughes really came onto the scene at the U18’s last season where he was the MVP for the Gold Winning Americans. His 5 points in 7 games was second on the team for defenders, but watching the game it’s easy to see that it doesn’t tell the whole story. He created a lot of chances that were whiffed on and a lot of “third assists… that don’t count, despite him generating the entire play. Like Boqvist, he’s a defender that excels in the breakout and maintaining possession. He can be outmuscled and outworked, but he uses his smarts and speed to offset those issues. From what I’ve seen, he also could work on his shooting as he gets a little Kaberle-esque out there. How he develops will determine if he becomes more Kevin Shattenkirk or Tyson Barrie vs. a Ryan Ellis style player. Meaning a player who can hone their defensive game like Ellis and sacrifice his offensive instincts in favour of a more well-rounded game. All three are great players in their own right, just different. Hughes’ development will determine what he becomes, because he’s going to be an NHL defenseman. Guaranteed with his skating ability.
Even crazier is that Hughes’ brother who is eligible in next year’s draft might be the First Overall selection. 16 year old Jack Hughes is currently torching the USHL with 2 goals and 7 points in just 3 games. The year before he had 58 goals and 159 points in AAA with Toronto. Good player to watch for next year.
NHL Comparable : Duncan Keith