Luke Hughes Scouting Reports

Finished his NCAA season (22/23) as the second leading scorer for defenceman in college hockey. Was the captain of Team USA at WJC in Halifax and Moncton.
Element is clear. Transitional defenceman who has elite ability to escape pressure in his zone and launch the attack on his own or outlet and join as an extra layer. He mirrors his brothers with his skating. but he's bigger, stronger, and longer. There is absolutely no question he will impact the NHL game offensively. His defending detail ranges. He won't PK in the NHL. His read/react game and commitment NI for pro. Top pair - risk/reward is possible.

Captain of Team Canada at WJC
An elite skater who leans transitional 'D' on projection
Risk/Reward type player who can dazzle at times but will also turn pucks over in high danger areas or lack detail.
Scored from range, through traffic, on the PP vs Latvia to start the tournament
Managed his shift length well

Gifted skater who displays ability to lead the rush and return to defend his zone in same sequence
Some risk/reward with his approach but he is easily identified as a transitional defender who makes plays
Not likely to be a player who can be relied upon to penalty kill at the pro level
He will, however, QB the power play and log big minutes at even strength and 4/4

High end skater who has ability to lead the rush from the back end
If he gets the edge he will take pucks to the net in the offensive zone and can finish
More than a distributor. He can get pucks to the net accurately.
There are times he could do less. He does take some unnecessary chances at times but his offense outweighs his lapses defensively.
Good size. Some bump to his game occasionally.
Has potential to be a top pairing transitional 'D'