The Hughes brothers’ NHL experience is leading to their last name becoming a staple in the world of hockey. If someone were to create an ideal set of hockey players, they wouldn’t have to look any further than the Hughes family. Their father, Jim Hughes, had his experience in the NHL behind the scenes. Once upon a time, he worked as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Meanwhile their mom, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, has many athletic accomplishments of her own. She played hockey as well as soccer and lacrosse at the collegiate level. In 1992, she competed as a member of Team USA that won silver in the Women’s World Championship. The Hughes’ are a picture perfect example of a family who has pure love and passion for hockey.
Each Hughes Brother Shines in Their own Light
If you’re a fan of exclusively Canadian NHL teams, then the chances that you’ve heard the name Quinn Hughes is very high. Fresh off his first year as captain of the Vancouver Canucks, he was the winner of the Norris Trophy. However, he’s been making an impact on the team for years. He was drafted seventh overall by the Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He ended his rookie season with 53 points and was a Calder Trophy finalist as league’s top rookie. Since then, he’s been the holder of several NHL records. Quinn was the first defenceman of the 2023-2024 season to reach 40 points. The month prior, he also became the third defenceman in NHL franchise history to reach 30 points in 17 games. As captain of the Canucks, Quinn’s led the team to the playoffs, and on a larger scale, is the first American-born captain of the team.
Making Some Noise in New Jersey
Over on the east coast, fans of the New Jersey Devils have had the pleasure of watching Jack Hughes play during the past five seasons. The first-overall draft pick in 2019, quickly made a name for himself in the league. Following a slow start during his rookie year there was a big leap in his progress as a player during the 2021-22 season. Despite only playing in 49 games that season, he recorded 56 points.
Jack’s been part of the NHL All-Star weekend three times, but the 2022-23 season is where he truly shined the brightest. That season was when it became clear that Jack had really came into himself as a player. On April 11, 2023 he scored an empty net goal to get his 97 point of the season. This broke the record for most points in a single-season in Devils franchise history. His most recent season with the Devils came to an early end due to injury but he finished with 74 points in 62 games.
Last but Certainly not Least
Luke Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the Devils in 2021. After he was drafted this marked the first time in NHL history where three brothers were top-ten draft picks. Before singing his entry-level contract with Jersey, Luke spent two years playing for the University of Michigan. He made his NHL debut during the second-last game of the regular season and scored his first goal during OT during the final game of the season. He made his playoff debut against the Carolina Hurricanes and recorded two assists in Jersey’s 8-4 win. By the end of his first full season (2023-24), he had 47 points and was a Calder Trophy finalist alongside Brock Faber and Connor Bedard.
The three brothers have all had strong starts to their NHL careers and that potential will only get better as time goes on. We live in a time where eventually we’ll have to say goodbye to players like Sidney Crosby. Perhaps one day the Hughes brothers will take their places.
Main photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
