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New York Rangers: Quinn Hughes prospect profile

By Jennifer Moglia

Team USA's Quinn Hughes collects gear laying on the ice after the bronze medal match USA vs Canada of the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 20, 2018. - USA won the Bronze medal match 4-1. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)
Team USA's Quinn Hughes collects gear laying on the ice after the bronze medal match USA vs Canada of the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 20, 2018. - USA won the Bronze medal match 4-1. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR / AFP) (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Though projected to be drafted with the seventh overall pick or higher, a trade or unexpected decision by another team could leave Quinn Hughes still available for the New York Rangers’ taking at ninth overall.

For the first time in years, the New York Rangers’ main focus for the past few weeks has been the NHL Entry Draft. In months that are usually filled with playoff-related anxiety, the fixation on picks and prospects has been a change of pace for fans and the organization alike.

As the big day gets closer and closer, speculation for who the team will take has started to heat up. One of the big names floating around is Quinn Hughes.

The defenseman has been ranked at fourth, sixth, and seventh overall by a number of different sources. While fourth is definitely out of reach, sixth and seventh are definitely close enough to ninth to have some hope.

A trade up a few spots on or close to draft night could increase New York’s chances of picking Hughes. Furthermore, there is a chance that the teams picking before the Rangers pass on him as well. If the New York Rangers do get to draft Quinn Hughes, what can they expect from him?

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Career thus far

Quinn Hughes made his professional debut playing for the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA team of the GTMMHL. In his first season there (2014-2015), he put up 44 points (13 goals and 31 assists) in 74 games.

After just one year with Toronto, Hughes went on to play for the United States National Team Development Program Juniors team. In his first season there, he played in 34 games and recorded 11 points (four goals and seven assists).

He also played for the United States National U17 Team. In 57 games with them, the defenseman notched seven goals and 17 assists for a total of 24 points.

Additionally, he played for Team USA U17 at World Championships, putting up one goal and five assists for a total of six points in five games. He averaged over one point per game.

The following season, he split his time between the USNTDP Juniors team and the U.S. National U18 Team. In 26 games with the USNTDP Juniors, Hughes put up four goals and 22 assists, totaling 26 points (averaging one point per game).

With the U.S. U18 Team, he recorded a total of 53 points (10 goals and 43 assists) in 65 games. Finally, he appeared in seven games for Team USA U18 at World Championships, adding one goal and four assists (five points).

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This season and future

This past season (2017-2018), Quinn Hughes played for the University of Michigan of the NCAA. He appeared in 37 games, recording a total of 29 points (five goals and 24 assists).

Hughes also played for Team USA in both World Junior Championships (U20) and World Championships. In World Juniors, he scored three points, all assists, in seven games played.

At World Championships, he recorded two points, both assists, in 10 games.  At age 18, Hughes already has three medals under his belt; a gold from U18, and two bronze (one from U20 and one from World Championships).

He has already established himself as a talented, fast, smart defender. What sets him apart from other offensive defenseman is his creativity and quick thinking when he has the puck.

He has learned how to make the right decisions with the puck and capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes. It’s evident to anyone watching Hughes that he knows how to take over a game and make it exciting.

He already has a significant amount of experience, and a few years in the AHL could get him NHL-ready fairly quickly. While any team that selects him will probably benefit greatly from it, the New York Rangers could especially use a player like Hughes.

His modern, exciting offensive defenseman style is something that could definitely help the team as they are rebuilding. The loss of Ryan McDonagh has already significantly impacted the defense, and having the security of Hughes coming up in the system in a few years could definitely ease that pain.

Next: Ranking the 2013 entry draft five years later

While some may say that ninth overall is too late for Quinn Hughes to be picked, there is definitely a chance that the Rangers could have the chance to select him. Although a trade to move them up a few picks would probably be the most reliable option, there is always a chance that the teams picking prior to New York pass over Hughes.

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