Hughes scored a goal on three shots and added two PIM in Friday's 4-1 preseason win over the Oilers.
Hughes opened the scoring at 10:11 of the first period. The reigning Norris Trophy winner put up three points over two preseason appearances, not that he needs to do much to prove himself now. At 24 years old, Hughes is one of the top defensemen in the league, though even he may have trouble replicating the 17-goal, 92-point campaign he produced in 82 regular-season outings in 2023-24. Still, Hughes should be a threat for a point-per-game pace and significant power-play production even if he takes a small step back.