Jack Hughes discusses nerves prior to first overall selection

The hockey world’s latest young prodigy, Jack Hughes, caught up with media after being selected first overall in the NHL Draft on Friday night, and tried to put the “surreal feeling” into words.

When asked if as the almost unanimous first overall choice was nervous leading into the selection, Hughes admitted there was one moment his calm demeanour was challenged.

“I’m a pretty calm kid, the only time I really got nervous was when Ray [Shero] was talking up there for two minutes or so. That was really the only time I got nervous.”

Despite the lengthy speech, Shero said the Devils selected Hughes without much doubt, but he also knows the rival New York Rangers are getting a difference maker in Kaapo Kakko.

"It was really difficult to think about passing on Jack Hughes. We did our homework. The Rangers are getting a really good player. It's going to be great for our rivalry and great for the Devils. That's the most important thing."

Hughes could barely keep the smile off his face after being chosen first overall by the Devils organization. He acknowledged the deep draft class he led, but stayed true to his confidence in his play.

“There’s a lot of good players in this draft but I was pretty confident, and calm cool and collected through the process.”

Hughes told reporters, “I’ve been working my whole life up to this moment” and is excited to get the next chapter started this summer living in Toronto and training with teammates like Taylor Hall — a great role model for Hughes to look up to as a previous first overall draft choice turned Hart Trophy winner.

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