An offensive juggernaut, Hughes has an effortless stride, natural skating abilities and elite hockey sense. He’s fluid on his skates, reaches an amazing top speed and his edgework is incredible. He’s got incredible vision to find space and and maneuver around defenders. He has the ability to turn opponents inside out with his elusive skating and puck control. He can traverse through the neutral zone easily and enter the offensive zone smoothly. He competes hard on every play and will not relent in tough ice as he uses every ounce of strength to battle with or without the puck. His playmaking abilities are exceptional and he’s so poised with the puck, he always makes smart decisions. His ultra-smooth hands allow him to make outstanding plays in tight spaces. His hockey senses are off the charts and he always thinks the game quicker than anyone. He has a quick release and a shot that he can blow past goalies as well as good accuracy with his wrister. He orchestrates the power play, where everyone is in search of him. He’s able to recover pucks in board battles, but is often outmatched physically which isn’t much of a concern as he is absolutely dominant in every other aspect of the game. He’s the type of player who keeps fans on the edge of their seats and makes them pay high ticket prices to see him.

– FCHockey’s 2019 NHL Draft Guide