For NJ Hughes. #1 franchise center is important, they have enough talent on the wing

I don't think it's ever been that laughable, even a few months ago. I've said this pretty much all year but I think Hughes has the higher ceiling but Kakko is more NHL-ready. That's not to say Kakko doesn't have a high ceiling, since he does, but Hughes is a bit higher IMO because of his insane skating ability. Both will be fantastic, but personally I'd take the center.

I still think it’s Hughes, it’s been Hughes for quite some time and I don’t think we should let one tournament dictate our draft boards. Years of scouting have gone to this draft (like any other) and Hughes has been that #1 for pretty much all of it. I think we can easily argue the gap has closed though. Kakko had a really strong year in the Liiga while Hughes struggled at times at the start of the year. As well as it can be argued Kakko is the better choice because he will be more NHL ready. All in all, I think it’s like the Matthews/Laine debate again except the gap is a bit closer. Nonetheless, I fully expect the Devils to take Hughes.

Copper Moore should be drafted 1st because...
1. he is taller than Hughes (Kakko is like 0.1 inches taller because he uses tippy toes)
2.he has the same amount of NHL goals as Kakko and Hughes combined
3. HE WILL MAKE THE WILL MAKE THE 2020 ALLSTAR GAME

Copper Moore should be drafted 1st because...
1. he is taller than Hughes (Kakko is like 0.1 inches taller because he uses tippy toes)
2.he has the same amount of NHL goals as Kakko and Hughes combine
3. HE WILL MAKE THE WILL MAKE THE 2020 ALLSTAR GAME

A month ago I would have said Hughes. Not sure anymore. It really all depends on Hall fits into their long term plans. Personally, I still think McLeod is going to be a good center in this league so I think Devils have a good tandem either way. I understand the need to draft another number 1 center in Hughes, but Kakko could be a game changing winger. Kakko and Hischier or Hischier and Hughes are both great combos.

Kakko should go #1. Don't over think it. He's more NHL ready now. He's ripping it up at the WC. Hughes has been quiet. No guarantee Hughes will ever have any more success at the NHL Level than Kakko. Goes both ways sure, but since the calendar turned the young Finn has been much more polished than Hughes.

NJ is getting Hughes for sure. We aren't trying to build a fantastic one line team. We NEED DEPTH. We want 2 great lines. Hughes-Hischier for the next 5+ years. Hughes has the potential to have 100 points in a season or get super close. We are trying to look like the Crosby Malkin, Kuzy Backy era.

Devils need talent now though. Mcleod is a question mark who we should put at wing because of his speed. We instantly become playoff contenders within 2 years with Hughes.

I think the Devils could with Kakko too though. Both are superior talents

but Kakko is a winger. Unless we expect Boqvist to play 2nd line minutes next year we take Hughes.

I think Hughes should wait another year. Skill wise he's beyond ready. Size wise, he should put pn a couple pounds

I mean Kane was 5’9 160 his draft year soooooo.......

Fair point. He also had a year of junior Hockey under his belt which is better competition than USNTDP so he had that going for him. Just based on what ive seen from Hughes at World's, he could play as early as next season, but it wouldnt hurt to play one year of college either.

you're right. I just think Hughes being as dominant as a player he is will get 2nd line minutes next year for sure with NJ and can develop into something special. Hughes is the better pick imo because of what he brings to the table. This kid can be a top 5 player in the league. I see Kakko breaking 80 points a few times but Hughes has the potential to get 100.

Long term I think Hughes is the better pick. I think Kakko can be a better version of Rantanen though, and he has and can play center although better on the wing. Honestly, NJ is going to get a hell of a player. If Jersey goes the Hughes route they can always pick up another winger.

That's why I think Centers are so important. Its gonna be a few years until NJ can take an elite centre in Hughes potentially. Both will be stars but Hughes is a safer pick imo.