Petr David Josek/Associated Press
Jack Hughes turned 18 on May 14, 2019. A month later, he was selected by the New Jersey Devils with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft. And by October, he was getting substantial ice time for the team.
That's how quickly top prospects can be a factor in the NHL. This year, there are several players who could be like Hughes and have a presence in the league soon enough.
There is some uncertainty with the 2020 NHL draft, though, as the league is currently suspended because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.