Quinn Hughes

DOB: October 14th, 1999

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 170 lbs

Team: Michigan Wolverines

Stats: 37GP 5G 24A 29PTS 26PIM +14

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

Draft Rankings: 6th (TSN), 7th (THW), 6th (THN), 5th (Athletic), 6th (CSS)

NHL Player Comparable: Shayne Gostisbehere

The Breakdown

The best skater available in this year’s draft, period.  He has an explosive first stride which allows him to get up to top speed in a hurry.  While his edge work and lightning like agility allow for seamless transitions up and down the ice.  Hughes also possesses a hockey IQ which is off the charts, knowing when to use his speed to burn an opponent, or when to regroup or throw a cross-ice pass, much like his draft comparable Shayne Gostisbehere.  On the d-side of the puck Hughes can’t rely on a monstrous frame to bully attacking forwards around.  He often uses his speed and a “great stick” to disrupt plays in the zone.  His size is the only factor that would allow Hughes to drop down to the Wings at six.

Why pick him?

A fleet-footed, puck moving defender who just so happens to play for Michigan… plus in six seasons he and Joe Hicketts could be the shortest d-pair in playoff history!

Okay, all joking aside there isn’t much to dislike about Hughes other than the fact that he’s not 6’2” 220.  His speed and transition game would mesh well with the direction of speed that the new look Wings have been deploying.  If you need a sample, check this out.

Hughes and Dylan Larkin look to be completely in sync on this power play rush from the World Championships, so it should come as no surprise that the two had started to bond off the ice. “He’s awesome,” Hughes said. “He’s a tremendous person. I don’t need to tell you how good he is on the ice, but off the ice he is just as good. We got pretty close and he is an awesome person.”  A great start if Detroit is able to nab Hughes at six.  But, the praise between the prospect and the franchise didn’t end there, when Hughes had this to say about Head Coach Jeff Blashill.  “There was an open line of communication, for sure,” Hughes said. “He stressed what he wanted from me and everything like that, so it was good for me to listen to him and learn and try to get better and try to improve my game and try to apply that. I think I did a good job with that. From game one, I thought I was pretty good, to game 10, I thought I was twice the player. From Game 10 to 82 or something like that, when you’re under a coach like him, I think my game can get even better.”  One can only imagine how much Hughes game would grow under the tutelage Blashill over the course of a full season.

Why don’t you pick him?

There is really only one reason to avoid taking Hughes at six, BECAUSE SOMEONE NABBED HIM 2-5!

Who do you draft 6th overall?