The past week was a major step in Shero's rebuilding plan over the past four years. It started soon after he was hired with the trades for Hall and Palmieri, the drafting of Hischier and now the selection of Hughes and the trade with Nashville for Subban and his $9 million cap hit for each of the next three seasons.

After the draft in Vancouver, Hughes flew to New Jersey with Shero, Harris and his parents on a private jet and spent the next few days making media appearances. He attended the New York Yankees game against Toronto on Monday night, sitting with Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.

He is eager now to return to suburban Toronto, where he grew up, and begin preparations for the 82-game season.

"I want to be Jack Hughes, not Patrick Kane or Matt Barzal, "Hughes said. "I want to add my own flavor, my own excitement to my game."

The 170-pound playmaker's mix of poise, drive and skating produced 74 goals and 154 assists in 110 games with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program last season.