Jack Hughes: A look at the New Jersey Devils forward's historic season

It's been a season to remember for Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils. In one of the top feel-good stories in the NHL this season, the New Jersey Devils have officially clinched a spot in this year's playoffs. They will be returning to the postseason for the first time since 2018.

"With the Devils finally clinching a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, I felt the need to write a thank you to @NJDevils coach Lindy Ruff for finally getting the team over the hump. Check out my latest piece for @pitchforkedpuck" - Jeremy Goldstein

The Devils are one of three teams in the NHL that have already clinched a playoff spot. The only other teams to have accomplished that so far are the Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes. Thanks to their 46-19-8 record, the Devils are only three points behind the Hurricanes for the Metropolitan Division lead.

One of the reasons behind their success this season is because of the incredible season from their superstar Jack Hughes. At only 21 years old, Hughes has emerged as one of the top players in the league, setting career highs in every category with 13 games remaining.

Through 69 games, Jack Hughes has recorded 40 goals and 46 assists for a total of 86 points. Last season, Hughes had the best season of his career, scoring 26 goals and 30 assists in 49 games. However, the 21-year-old has shattered that already this season.

"Jack Hughes scored his 40th goal of the season tonight. He's the first @NJDevils player to score at least 40 goals in a season since Zach Parise in 2008-09. #NHL | #NJDevils" - Hockey Reference

Jack Hughes' 40 goals are the first time a New Jersey Devils player has surpassed that threshold since Zach Parise scored 45 goals during the 2008-2009 season. Only Hughes, Parise, Patrik Elias, Alexander Mogilny, and Brian Gionta have scored 40 or more goals for the Devils in the last 25 seasons.

Hughes' emergence as an NHL superstar, along with the top-tier surrounding core of Nico Hischier, Dougie Hamilton, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, make the New Jersey Devils legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Jack Hughes' NHL career to date

The talented forward was drafted by the New Jersey Devils with the first-overall pick of the 2019 NHL Draft. In some draft classes, the first-overall pick is not always the best player. However, Hughes is, without a doubt, the top player from the 2019 Draft.

It was a slow build for Hughes to reach this level. However, now in his fourth season in the NHL, he has lived up to his first-overall pick status. Through 235 games in the NHL, Hughes has scored 84 goals and 110 assists, with nearly half of his career goals coming this season.