Dad’s hug, mom’s kisses, brothers’ handshakes, sisters’ hugs. The routine that awaits every player when he hears his name spoken by an NHL team has been the same since the dawn of time. Except for Jack Hughes.
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Claimed 51st overall by the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, the Northeastern University forward had to wait until he was on the court to receive congratulations from his father.
Accompanied by Martin St-Louis, dad Kent, the general manager of the Canadiens, was waiting for his son near the stairs leading to the team tables.
“He came to congratulate me. It was really cool “Launched the young man, who became the Kings’ first take at this auction.
Encourage him, support him, congratulate him and celebrate, this is the maximum that the GM of the Habs intended to do for his son during these two days.
“Despite the temptation, he was clear with me. My father told me that he would avoid drafting me at all costs,” said the center player.
Avoid pressure
Hughes thus wished to save his son from undergoing additional pressure which was not necessary in an already sufficiently suffocating market.
“Personally, it wouldn’t have bothered me. It wouldn’t have changed anything for me, mentioned the young man, with all the candor of his 18 years. The only thing that matters to me is playing in the NHL. Whether in Montreal, Los Angeles or elsewhere. »
This did not prevent members of the management of the Canadiens from getting up to congratulate Kent Hughes on hearing the Kings announce their selection.
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
Different talks
No, there is nothing normal about being the son of a general manager. The content of the discussions leading up to the auction is unlike that which a father and his son have around the table.
“Even if he hadn’t been a general manager, it wouldn’t have been a normal conversation,” said Jack, recalling that his father was previously a players’ agent. He prepared me for the draft by telling me not to expect to be drafted as high as my expectations. »
“He explained to me how it worked and how crazy it can be at times. He also advised me to enjoy the moment, sit back and -wait to see what would happen. »
Having the head coach of a rival team shake your hand before your own coach is another rather unusual moment.
St-Louis, a second father
It should be remembered that Jack Hughes and Ryan St-Louis, one of the CH driver’s sons, grew up together in the American development program. They are also teammates with the Northeastern Huskies in Boston.
“For some periods over the past two years, Martin has been like a second father,” he explained.
“He was not drafted and, despite everything, he became the player we know. I received good advice from him. Besides, it’s easy to learn about hockey when my father and Martin surround you. »