New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes will reach a significant milestone by playing his 400th NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers. At 24 years old, the franchise cornerstone has established himself as one of the league's premier offensive players since being drafted first overall in 2019.
Jack Hughes, the dynamic center for the New Jersey Devils, is poised to lace up for his 400th career NHL game on Tuesday night when his team hosts the Edmonton Oilers. Selected first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Hughes has exceeded high expectations with rapid development, amassing 382 points—including 152 goals and 230 assists—over his first 399 games. His elite skating, creativity, and puck-handling have made him a constant offensive threat.
Hughes' trajectory includes a breakout 2021-22 season, where injuries limited his games but showcased his potential. He solidified his superstar status in 2022-23 with 99 points, shattering the Devils' single-season record previously held by Patrik Elias at 96. This season, despite missing 18 games with a hand injury, Hughes has tallied 31 points, ranking third on the team. He ended a brief scoring drought with an impressive goal in his return against the Buffalo Sabres on December 21.
In Monday's 2-1 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames, Hughes fired seven shots on goal and delivered a key pass to Simon Nemec for the game-winner, underscoring his playmaking prowess. As the engine of the Devils' offense, he drives even-strength play and orchestrates the power play, often delivering in clutch situations with overtime goals and late-game heroics.
This milestone highlights Hughes' talent, resilience, and central role in the organization. Still early in his prime, it marks progress on a promising career path rather than an endpoint.
