Rangers’ Shesterkin Ranks Devils Star Forward in his Top 3 Toughest Players to Face

In a recent interview from B/R Open Ice on X, goalie Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers shared his top three toughest players to face in the net. One of the names he listed was New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes. He was second on the list, alongside Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins (#1) and Colorado Avalanches’ Nathan MacKinnon (#3).

Jack Hughes is one of the game’s best young stars and is known for his explosive speed, goal-scoring, hockey IQ, and awesome media interviews.

Shesterkin’s respect for Hughes stems from the two teams playing each other three to four times per year in the Metro Divison. When you face a player of Hughes’ calibre that many times a year, he should be at the top of his list.

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Hughes possesses a unique blend of skill and creativity that keeps goalies on their toes. His swift release makes it particularly challenging to predict where he is putting the puck, paired with his high hockey IQ; goalies have to be ready in case he snaps a pass off at the very last second.

Shesterkin didn’t give a reason in the short 33-second video as to why Hughes is tough to face. However, watching him play, you can quickly see why he would be a tough challenge.