Jack Hughes

American center for the New Jersey Devils who has become one of the NHL's most dynamic offensive players since being drafted first overall in 2019.

Jack Rowden Hughes was born on 14 May 2001 in Orlando, Florida, to Jim Hughes, a former Providence College captain and later director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, who won silver at the 1992 IIHF Women's World Championships, and grew up in Toronto playing alongside his two brothers, Quinn and Luke, both of whom also became first-round NHL draft picks. Hughes broke the USA Hockey National Team Development Program's all-time points record, previously held by Clayton Keller, before the New Jersey Devils selected him first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, becoming just the eighth American ever chosen with the top pick. Hughes set the Devils' franchise record for points in a season during the 2022-23 campaign, becoming an alternate captain and one of the league's most dynamic offensive centres. Hughes delivered the signature moment of his international career at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, scoring the overtime golden goal against Canada to win gold for the United States, cementing his status as one of the sport's brightest young stars alongside his brothers, who watched from the stands.

Hughes is an elite playmaker known for his exceptional speed, vision, and puck-handling skills. He possesses outstanding acceleration and can create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates through his precise passing ability. His agility and hockey IQ allow him to navigate through traffic and make plays in tight spaces.

Hughes represents the new generation of skilled, fast-paced NHL players who emphasize creativity and offensive production.

• 2x NHL All-Star (2022, 2023)