Luke Hughes (ice hockey)

Luke Warren Hughes (born September 9, 2003) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey for two years with the University of Michigan of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), reaching the Frozen Four both seasons. He was selected fourth overall by the Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

College
Hughes committed to play college ice hockey for the University of Michigan during the 2021–22 season. Hughes led the league in goals scored with 13 in conference play and recorded nine assists for 22 points, the second most points in the league play behind Matty Beniers. He led the nation's defensemen in scoring with 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 37 games and is a +25. He set several Michigan program records this season. His 17 goals surpassed Dean Turner's freshman defenseman record of 13 set in 1975–76, and he passed Jack Johnson's 32 points for the most points by a Michigan freshman defenseman. In March, Hughes recorded one goal and six assists in seven games and was subsequently named the Hockey Commissioner's Association Rookie of the Month. Following an outstanding season, he was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team, the All-Big Ten Second Team and was named Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He was also named an AHCA West Second Team All-American.

During the 2022–23 season he led the league's defensemen in scoring with seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points, averaging 1.27 points per game. In 39 total games, he recorded 10 goals and 38 assists, ranking second in the nation in points per game by a defenseman. Following an outstanding season he was named a finalist for the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. He was also named an AHCA West First Team All-American.

He was considered a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. On July 23, 2021, Hughes was drafted fourth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional
On April 8, 2023, Hughes was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract by the New Jersey Devils. Hughes made his NHL debut on April 11, in a 6–2 win against the Buffalo Sabres. In the game, he blocked two shots, made one hit and one takeaway and skated a total 11:15 of ice time. In the next game, Hughes recorded his first NHL goal, which was a game-winning goal, and an assist in a 5–4 overtime win against the Washington Capitals. Hughes made his playoffs debut on May 7, at home against the Carolina Hurricanes, assisting on two goals in an 8–4, Game 3 win for the Devils.

During the 2023–24 season, in his rookie season, Hughes set a franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman, recording nine goals and 47 points and playing in each of the Devils' 82 games. On April 3, 2024, against the New York Rangers, he recorded 32:49 minutes on ice and surpassed 24 minutes on 13 separate occasions. His 47 points were tied with Brock Faber for second most points among rookies. Hughes led rookie defensemen in power-play points (25), power-play goals (four), goals (nine), and takeaways (42) and was second in shots (135) and ice time per game (21:28). Following the season he was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and was voted unanimously to the All-Rookie Team.

International play
Hughes represented the United States at the 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he recorded one goal and three assists in six games and won a silver medal.

On May 5, 2022, Hughes was named to the United States men's national ice hockey team to compete at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He recorded one goal and three assists in ten games.

On December 12, 2022, Hughes was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he served as team captain and recorded four goals and one assist in seven games and won a bronze medal.

Personal life
Hughes comes from an ice hockey-playing family. His father, Jim Hughes, is a former player and team captain for Providence College, an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins, and director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, played ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer at the University of New Hampshire and, in 2012, was inducted into the University of New Hampshire Athletics Hall of Fame. She also played for the United States women's national ice hockey team, and won a silver medal at the 1992 World Championship.

Hughes has two older brothers, Quinn, and Jack. Quinn was drafted seventh overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, while Jack was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His mother is Jewish and his father is Catholic.