Cameron Hughes makes NHL debut with Bruins tonight
Cameron Hughes, a member of the Bruins’ 2015 draft class, stepped into the Boston lineup Monday night to make his NHL debut vs. the Penguins at TD Garden.
Hughes, 23, grew up in Edmonton and was selected by the Bruins with the 165th pick in the ’15 entry draft, the same year they used three consecutive first-round picks to select Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, and Zach Senyshyn.
“Exciting,’’ Hughes said following the club’s morning workout in Brighton. “You work your whole life to get this chance. When I heard the news [Sunday], I was pretty excited. I’m looking forward to it.’’
Hughes lined up in practice at left wing on the club’s grinding fourth line, with Sean Kuraly at center and Chris Wagner at right wing. He was called up from AHL Providence, where he delivered a 2-4—6 line in 13 games, to fill a void left by veteran winger David Backes, who exited Saturday’s win over the Senators with a suspected concussion.
[fragment number=0]
The Bruins also dished forward Peter Cehlarik back to the AHL and placed Brett Ritchie back in the lineup, pairing him Anders Bjork and Charlie Coyle.
“Energy guy, good motor,’’ said coach Bruce Cassidy, listing the assets Hughes would bring to the lineup. “Should be able to help on the penalty kill. He did a good job at that [in Providence] and that’s an area that we are looking to support with certain guys out.’’
The Bruins lately have had a rash of injuries among their forwards, including Joakim Nordstrom and Par Lindholm, both of whom log time on the PK.
“He’ll be a fit with Kuraly and Wagner,’’ said Cassidy. “We figure that’s a good line for him to start with. You know, kind of play a simple, straight-line game.’’
Hughes, a second-year pro after playing four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, was expected to challenge for a varsity job in September but was injured in the final rookie game in Buffalo. Upright and in a puck scrum along the boards, Hughes was felled when he was caught in the mouth by the skate blade of an upended Sabres player. He required extensive dental surgery and stitches and also was placed in concussion protocol.
Hughes became the first Black-and-Gold player this season to play in his first NHL game.
“I’m definitely going to nervous, it’s natural,’’ said Hughes, whose parents, in Portland, Ore., over the weekend, were en route to Boston Monday afternoon to witness his debut.
“They’re coming cross the country and they’re very excited. I wouldn’t be here without them so I am really excited that they’ll be able to watch.’’
[fragment number=1]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com