Jack Hughes Skipping Out on NHL Combine Testing is Low-Key Brilliant
By Mark Powell
Fresh off an IIHF World Championships run with Team USA, likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft Jack Hughes has decided not to take part in several of the NHL Combine's physical test. Despite outcries by some in the hockey community, this is actually a brilliant move by the savvy 18-year-old.
Hughes has no reason to risk injury before the ink of his contract is dry. Not performing at the Combine will not hurt his draft stock, as the New Jersey Devils appear primed to selected him with the top overall pick when the time comes.
Jack Hughes sits out fitness tests at combine after playing multiple tourneys. https://t.co/95JgvvE4nA pic.twitter.com/qYSoOXO8PG
— theScore (@theScore) June 2, 2019
The American prodigy showed up big at Worlds', performing with some of the NHL's best and playing a vital role even though Team USA eventually fell short. Despite Kaapo Kakko's role in Finland's eventual win at Worlds', that should only cement him as the second-best prospect behind Hughes, likely going to the Devils' rival, the New York Rangers.
The Hockey News' @StevenEllisTHN and @THNRyanKennedy broke down the NHL draft combine from Buffalo, featuring news about Jack Hughes, Vasily Podkolzin and Jackson LaCombe.https://t.co/Qc5xALLZwb
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) June 2, 2019
Hughes work on the ice and his film speak for him. Any work at the NHL Combine, while maybe helpful to the Devils, only has the potential to hurt him in the long run. Stay home, and get ready to count those stacks, Jack.