Jack Hughes enters the 2026-27 NHL season with one of the highest ceilings in Fantasy Hockey, but drafting him still requires accepting some risk. My projection for the New Jersey Devils superstar is 36 goals, 61 assists and 97 points in 76 games.
That puts Hughes within one strong scoring streak of reaching 100 points for the first time. It also makes him a legitimate late-first-round selection in standard fantasy leagues and an even more valuable cornerstone in keeper and dynasty formats.
Hughes produced 27 goals and 50 assists for 77 points despite playing only 61 games last season. His 1.26 points-per-game rate translates to approximately 104 points over a full 82-game schedule. More importantly, Hughes finished the season playing some of the best hockey of his career, recording 41 points in 25 games following the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The talent is unquestionably there. The question fantasy managers must answer is whether Hughes can stay healthy long enough to turn his elite scoring pace into an elite season total.
Jack Hughes Point Projections 2026-27: 36 Goals, 61 Assists and 97 Points
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Actual | 61 | 27 | 50 | 77 | 1.26 |
| 2026-27 Projection | 76 | 36 | 61 | 97 | 1.28 |
My projection model blends Hughes’ recent points-per-game production, expected games played, shooting volume, age, offensive role and power-play opportunity. I have him improving slightly to 1.28 points per game while appearing in 76 games.
That games-played projection is deliberately conservative. Hughes has played fewer than 63 games in six of his first seven NHL seasons. His only campaign above that mark was his 99-point breakout in 2022-23, when he appeared in 78 games. jecting him for all 82 games would create an overly optimistic forecast. At the same time, dropping him into the low-60-game range would ignore the possibility that he finally enjoys a healthier season. Seventy-six games represents a reasonable middle ground between his established injury history and his enormous offensive upside.
Why Jack Hughes Can Threaten 100 Points in Fantasy Hockey
Hughes remains the engine of the Devils’ transition attack. His speed through the neutral zone forces defenders backward, creates controlled entries and gives New Jersey’s skilled forwards additional time to find open space.
He should continue receiving premium offensive minutes alongside Jesper Bratt, one of the NHL’s most creative playmakers. The Devils’ projected 2026-27 lineup still places Bratt with Hughes, while Timo Meier, Nico Hischier and Dougie Hamilton remain important pieces of New Jersey’s offensive core. power play is where Hughes can separate himself from other fantasy centres. With Hughes, Bratt, Meier, Hischier and Hamilton available, New Jersey can attack from several different locations instead of relying on one predictable shooting option.
Hughes can carry the puck into the zone, operate from the half wall, attack downhill or distribute through seams. Bratt creates movement on the opposite side, Meier supplies a dangerous shot and net-front presence, Hischier retrieves pucks and Hamilton threatens from the blue line.
That supporting cast gives Hughes a realistic path to approximately 30 power-play points, with upside for more if the unit remains healthy and converts consistently.
The Biggest Risk When Drafting Jack Hughes
From my perspective, Hughes is one of the most difficult first-round fantasy decisions. His per-game production belongs beside the league’s true superstars. NHL.com noted that his 1.22 points-per-game average since 2022-23 ranked sixth in the League entering the 2026-27 season. Fantasy championships are often decided by availability rather than pure talent. Managers selecting Hughes should understand that the difference between 61 games and 76 games could represent roughly 19 additional fantasy points based on this projection.
That is why I would be comfortable drafting Hughes near the end of Round 1 or early in Round 2. In leagues that reward shots, power-play points and assists, he becomes even more appealing. His floor remains strong whenever he is in the lineup, while his ceiling is a 105-point season with elite shot production.
My final Jack Hughes point projections 2026-27 forecast is 36 goals, 61 assists and 97 points in 76 games. A 100-point breakthrough is absolutely possible, but fantasy managers should build some durability protection into their roster after selecting him.
Jack Hughes Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 429 | 168 | 260 | 428 | -35 |
| Playoffs | 12 | 6 | 5 | 11 | -4 |
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