The good news for the Tampa Bay Lightning is that they don’t have to face Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils until January. By then, there is a chance that the 22-year-old center has cooled off from his absurdly hot start. Through 7 games he’s piled up 5 goals and 13 assists for an impressive 18 points. Dylan Larkin is next with 15 points, albeit in one more game. For Hughes, it’s the continuation of his breakout season from last year when he put up 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games.
With his performance so far this month, he’s thrust his name into the discussion for the Hart Trophy at the end of the season, especially with perennial Hart winner, Connor McDavid, currently out with an injury.