WASHINGTON — Jack Hughes is used to being at center stage.
Following a long morning at Medstar Capitals Iceplex, taking photos for trading cards and recording promotional videos at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase on Aug. 19, the 18-year-old takes a deep breath as he's surrounded by reporters and cameras before handling each question like a pro.
From one look, it's easy to see that he's not only a player mature beyond his years that has mastered the art of composure but is also humble as he slightly shies away from the spotlight.
"I think there's not really any pressure," Hughes said without skipping a beat. "We have two other first-overall picks [Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier], just traded for P.K. Subban, Nikita Gusev came in. We have a lot of good players there so for me, I just have to step in and play my role well."
MORE: Hughes brothers put sibling rivalry in rearview as they start their careers together
The role: becoming one of the faces of the New Jersey Devils franchise.
Hockey roots
Long before being taken first overall in the 2019 NHL draft, the middle Hughes brother had hefty expectations. From a young age, the now 18-year-old showed flashiness and drive.
Spending part of his childhood in Toronto, the Orlando, Fla., native picked up hockey easily — which isn't a surprise considering his family tree. Mom Ellen played for the U.S. Women's National Team and the University of New Hampshire. Dad Jim was the captain at Providence University before serving as the assistant coach for the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs' director of player development.
He also owes a lot of his growth on the ice to his time in Canada, where he was given ample opportunity to evolve his game.
"It's crazy up there, hockey's like a religion," Hughes said. "I don't know if I'd be the player I am without Toronto."
The family eventually settled in the Detroit, Mich. area, where Hughes worked his way up the ranks and eventually joined the U.S. National Team Development Program. That's when he took over, shattering multiple records, including passing Auston Matthews with the most goals in program history and blowing Clayton Keller's points record (190) out of the water after racking up 228 points during his tenure.
With an assist on Cam York's goal, @usahockey 's Jack Hughes becomes the #U18Worlds all-time leading scorer with 32 points, surpassing Alex Ovechkin's record. pic.twitter.com/DZYpzp812y
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 28, 2019
These feats were accomplished with a paradoxical quiet yet flashy poise; his star-studded, creative play and skill-set make him a thrill to watch — but at the same time, off the ice, he doesn't bask in the attention and instead stays modest as he ponders the next step in his journey.
"I had a really good two years [with USA Hockey]. I went in determined and set goals for myself and accomplished those. . . but I'm not just sitting on my phone looking at the stats record, you know? I'm way past that and looking on to better things now," Hughes said.
To the pros
Right now, his focus is on the NHL with all eyes on him. Hype and plans for the future surround the young forward, but Hughes has also been working on multiple aspects of his game in order to get ready for the big league.
"I think I have more knowledge now," Hughes told reporters in August. "I've talked [to] more people. . . . I feel really confident after a good summer that I can come in and do well."
He's already done that with a strong start to training camp. Not only has he found chemistry with a variety of linemates, but he's lit the lamp in both of his preseason games, including two goals in his debut and a total of three goals and four points in just two games.
"Nasty. Listen to me, Jack Hughes is going to be the best version of Jack Hughes," Subban said following the Devils' 4-3 victory over Boston on Monday. "At the end of the day, he's 18 years old. [Andy Greene] and I looked at each other and we said, 'Man, some of these kids can really play.' He's one of those guys. He's got a bright future."
Jack Hughes' speed is outstanding. He has a vision on the ice beyond his youth. With a high hockey IQ and the ability to come up with plays on the fly, he can speed past opponents, weave in and out with the puck and score in what appears to be hundreds of different ways.
DEVILS: Jack Hughes shines alongside Taylor Hall
That skill runs in the bloodline, but years of practice, from mini-sticks in the basement to the rink every day to the US-NDTP has culminated into this moment — wearing an NHL jersey. Still, Hughes knows the league is becoming more competitive, waiting for no one. That being said, there are ways to go when it comes to building and rounding out his game, but he is ready for the challenge.
"I think [I'll need to work on] a lot of things. It's a moving art," Hughes said. "There's going to be ups and downs. I'm going to have good weeks and bad weeks. Bad games and good games. For me, I just got to stay balanced and keep doing my thing."
He'll get a chance to do all that when the Devils open the season against the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 4.