New Jersey Devils Select Jack Hughes With 1st Overall Pick in NHL Draft

Back in May of this year, the NHL Draft Lottery took place, which saw the New Jersey Devils win and earn the right to select first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

With the Devils' second first overall selection in the past three years, they select a center from Orlando, Florida and a bonafide stud in American Jack Hughes.

Hughes spent last year playing for the USNTDP and was on the US team for the World Juniors and World Championships last season.

Hughes has been the top-ranked player in the 2019 NHL Draft class for the past three years, and it was only right that the Devils took him first overall. Hughes heads to New Jersey having turned 18 just over one month ago, and has some experience playing against NHL talent.

Hughes played in the IIHF World Championships for the USA, where he failed to score a goal, but ended the tournament with three assists playing on the team's third line.

Hughes has a brother already playing in the NHL; in fact, he laces up for the team that is hosting the 2019 NHL Draft, the Vancouver Canucks. Quinn Hughes was drafted seventh-overall last year, and spent most of the season in college playing for the University of Michigan, before joining the Canucks for five games at the end of the regular season.

It's tough to argue with either talent at the top of the draft, but Hughes is a winner, and the next great American prospect. What a get for New Jersey.