When was Luke Hughes drafted

Luke Warren Hughes is an American professional ice hockey defenseman playing for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. He played college hockey for two seasons at the University of Michigan, leading his team to the Frozen Four in both years. Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Hughes has represented the United States in various international competitions. He played in the 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and earned a silver medal. He participated in the 2022 IIHF World Championship. As captain of the U.S. junior team, he led them to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships. On the family side, Hughes comes from a hockey lineage; his father, Jim, was a former player and coach, and his mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, played for the U.S. women's national team and was inducted into the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame. He has two older brothers, Quinn and Jack, who were high draft picks in the NHL.

When was Luke Hughes drafted?

Luke Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Draft. He is a talented defenseman and the youngest brother of NHL players Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils) and Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks).

Luke Hughes signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils on April 8, 2023, and made his NHL debut shortly after, on April 11, 2023. He scored his first NHL goal, which was also a game-winner, in a game against the Washington Capitals. During the 2023-24 season, Hughes recorded nine goals and 38 assists for 47 points, setting a franchise record for rookie defensemen.

Luke Hughes Previous Team

Before joining the Devils, Luke played for the University of Michigan during the 2021-22 season. He led the Big Ten in conference goals, scoring 13 and adding nine assists for 22 points. His achievements included breaking records for the most goals and points by a freshman defenseman at Michigan. He was recognized as the Hockey Commissioner's Association Rookie of the Month.

In the 2022-23 season, Hughes led defensemen in scoring with seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points. He averaged 1.27 points per game, ranking second nationally among defensemen. His performance earned him finalist spots for Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team and an AHCA West First Team All-American.