Frustration Mounts for New Jersey Devils as Luke Hughes Struggles
The New Jersey Devils are experiencing a season of frustration, despite having a talented roster and making bold moves to address their weaknesses. Since selecting Nico Hischier first overall in 2017, the team has had six top-10 picks, but their rebuild has yielded only one playoff series victory. This year has been particularly disappointing, with the Devils stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack and struggling to score goals. They are tied for the fewest goals in the conference, and over the last month, they have played eight games without a win, scoring either one goal or zero in each of those losses.
The recent return of Jack Hughes from injury was expected to provide a boost, but instead, the team has suffered a four-game losing streak. The home crowd in Newark is growing increasingly frustrated, and the last thing they needed was a target for their angst. Unfortunately, Luke Hughes provided them with one after a disappointing performance against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Hughes was responsible for two own goals, including one where he fired the puck into his own net while trying to clear a rebound, and another where he put himself in a poor position, allowing Taylor Hall to tap the puck in off his stick.
Luke Hughes, the No. 4 overall pick in 2021, has been under pressure to perform due to his family’s hockey legacy. His brothers, Quinn and Jack, are established stars, and Luke has been referred to as the “family’s Thanasis” by some critics. However, this label is unfair, as Luke is a talented and athletic player who is also the fastest defenseman in the NHL. Despite his abilities, Hughes has struggled to consistently perform at a high level, and his flashes of brilliance only serve as a reminder of what he could be, but isn’t. At 22 years old, Hughes is nearing the time when he should be putting it all together, but instead, he is having his worst season in his third full year in the league.
Contract Expectations and Fan Frustration
Hughes’ seven-year, $63 million contract has also added to the scrutiny he is facing. Some critics argue that the Devils signed him to a large contract in hopes of enticing his brother Quinn to join the team for a family reunion. However, the $9 million annual salary is a significant investment, and Hughes has yet to justify it with his performance. The booing he received from the home crowd after his mistakes against the Hurricanes is a clear indication of the frustration that fans are feeling.
After the game, the Devils’ players and coaching staff came to Hughes’ defense. Goaltender Jake Allen stated that Hughes does not deserve to be booed, while head coach Sheldon Keefe emphasized the need to support him internally. Team captain Nico Hischier also spoke out in support of Hughes, saying that the team “fully stands behind” him and urging fans to refrain from booing, as it does not help the situation. While the team’s support for Hughes is admirable, it may not be enough to quell the frustration of the fans, who are eager to see their team succeed.
A Path Forward for Luke Hughes and the Devils
As the Devils head out on the road for their next four games, they will be looking to turn their season around and find a way to score more goals. For Luke Hughes, the challenge will be to regain his confidence and start playing to his potential. With the support of his teammates and coaching staff, he has the opportunity to silence his critics and prove himself as a valuable member of the team. Until then, the conversation about Hughes and his struggles will continue, serving as a reminder of the frustration that has defined the Devils’ season so far.
According to data from the NHL, the Devils have the lowest goals-per-game average in the Eastern Conference, with an average of 2.5 goals per game. This lack of scoring has been a major factor in their struggles, and it will be essential for the team to find a way to increase their goal production if they hope to turn their season around. With Hughes and other talented players on the roster, there is still hope for the Devils to make a push for the playoffs, but it will require a significant improvement in their performance over the coming weeks.
