LA Kings Draft: Luke Hughes 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

The LA Kings will need a lot of draft lottery help if they want to draft defenseman Luke Hughes.

Luke Hughes is the brother of Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and Devils forward Jack Hughes. He’s one of the youngest players in this draft class, but he would be one of the best grabs for the LA Kings if they have the chance. The Kings need a left-shot defenseman with some offensive capabilities in their prospect pool, and Hughes would fill that void.

He developed under Reign head coach John Wroblewski at the USNTDP, so there is obviously some familiarity there. Hughes was shut down for the rest of the year back in March, dealing with several torn ligaments in his foot. Next season he’s headed to Michigan, a program that continues to restock NHL talent, and the early reports suggest that the injury shouldn’t impact Hughes’ long-term future.

I suppose if there is any good news from this, it is that Hughes could slide a little bit in the first round, but the LA Kings will likely need some draft lottery help on June 2 if they want to grab the talented blueliner.

Luke Hughes, LHD

Vitals

• Age: 17
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 176 lbs
• Shot: L

Rankings

• Ranked #2 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
• Ranked #11 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
• Ranked #1 by FCHOCKEY
• Ranked #4 by NEUTRAL ZONE
• Ranked #3 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
• Ranked #1 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
• Ranked #5 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
• Ranked #3 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
• Ranked #3 by SMAHT SCOUTING
• Ranked #5 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
• Ranked #5 by TSN/McKenzie

Scouting Report

"March 2021 – Hughes suffered an injury that will hold him out the rest of the season and he has decided to begin preparations for the NHL Draft and his freshman season at the University of Michigan next season. One of the top defenders in the 2021 draft class, Hughes may see his draft stock fall because of concern around the injury. It’s been reported by J.D. Burke of Elite Prospects that there are several torn ligaments in his foot which is a bit of a difficult injury because of the nature of ligament injuries in general.Multiple tears could be a bit longer term and very well could be a bit nagging even into next season. His long-term future should be fine but we’ve seen players fall because of pre-draft foot injuries as recently as 2019 with Peyton Krebs. A team could wind up getting a top-five player with a pick around ten if teams get a bit skidish. Value is there to be had possibly. Dobber Prospects/Tony FerrariFebruary 2021 – Hughes has hit another gear since the calendar flipped to 2021. He is one of the youngest members of the 2021 draft class and the progression he has made this season has been outstanding. Of all of the top players in the class, he has arguably taken the biggest step forward. His offensive timing has improved and his defensive game continues to show progress.He is utilizing his mobility much more at both ends of the ice but not just for rushes down the wall or around the zone. Hughes is skating with a purpose when the puck is on his stick. Whether he’s walking the blueline with his impressive lateral mobility or cutting into the home plate area with his agility and quickness, Hughes understands how to be put pressure on his opponents.The biggest reason that he’s been able to take this step is that he has been exhibiting an advanced awareness of the play. He understands what is happening all over the ice and playing the angle and using his skill. Hughes will continue to be one to watch as he pushes towards the top of many draft rankings. Dobber Prospects/Ferrari"

Production

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