I love those words, it's refreshing to hear something like that. It's an extremely exciting time in New Jersey." I know it'll come, and I know it'll happen. "Now I have to return the favor and be a star for the next decade.
![lines from the movie players club lines from the movie players club](https://cdn.quotesgram.com/img/45/67/1312228752-007501_28.jpg)
When I asked Jack about the impact he's made on the fanbase here in New Jersey, all those 86 jerseys that fill the stands at Prudential Center, he once again grabbed onto the moment Jack is unafraid to bet on himself publicly. If there's one consistent thing I've always said and known about Jack is his outward honesty and his outward confidence. Now, all that being said, I did not necessarily appreciate one of my closest friends calling me right after the Hughes extension news broke to tell me, and I quote, "Have you realized yet that you'll be in your early 40s when Jack's new deal is about to expire?"įriends, I tell you, they really keep you grounded! 3. "I've dedicated most of my adult life to New Jersey." 2. "I will have lived here at least 11 years by the end of this contract," Hughes told me in an interview moments after the signing. Jack signed the contract and immediately sat back in his chair, a huge grin on his face. It's too easy to suggest the smile is there because of the money listed on a contract because I truly believe, particularly in the circumstances of the Devils, there is this genuine feeling of officially 'being home' and being a part of something special that's building in New Jersey.
![lines from the movie players club lines from the movie players club](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/gh-quote-football-vince-lombardi-4-1608058384.png)
When you look at that moment for what it is, it's a player and a general manager putting their signatures on a piece of paper, and yet there is always that moment, seconds after the two signatures are signed and handed off to be filed with the NHL that whatever player is in that chair sits back and takes a huge sigh of relief, a smile no doubt plastered on their faces. I had the honor of being there for Nico Hischier putting pen to paper and now, Jack doing the same. I've had the privilege of being around him since the moment he was drafted by the Devils and covering every story he's been a part of.īut there's no moment quite as special as watching a young player sign a contract off their Entry Level deal, especially one that is a long-term commitment between the player and club.