When the New Jersey Devils drafted Jack Hughes number one overall in 2019, it marked a moment in their franchise when they looked to turn the page to a new era. Long were the days of Zach Parise and Illya Kovalchuk. Martin Brodeur and Scott Stevens were long retired. Recent Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall was traded. New Jersey hadn't made serious playoff noise in seven years, and they needed a new franchise player to take the mantle.