By Jacob Messing

The quick resurgence of the Michigan Wolverines has stemmed from a fresh perspective and defenseman Quinn Hughes.

Just 17 years old, Hughes is the youngest player in NCAA Division I hockey and a projected top-10 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft this June. Hughes’ statistics might not jump off the page—29 points (5 G, 24 A) and a plus-13 rating through 36 games—but his points rank third on the team.

The Florida-born star has been a huge factor in new coach Mel Pearson’s system and a large part of a Michigan team that has found itself in the Frozen Four after a tumultuous 2016-17 season.

“He’s worth the price of admission—he’s a phenomenal player in terms of skill, great competitor, and an awesome teammate,” Pearson said of Hughes following a four-point night on March 2. “If you know where a couple more are like him, give me a call.”

Hughes doesn’t have the prototypical aspects of a top defenseman: While he grew up in Toronto he was born in Orlando, Florida, and represents the USA internationally. The U.S. boasts some big defensive names in the NHL, and Hughes is looking like another high-end defenseman joining the swift movement of U.S. blue line stalwarts.

Players including Seth Jones, Charlie McAvoy, Shayne Gostisbehere, Noah Hanifin, and Michigan alumni Zach Werenski and Jacob Trouba are among 20-somethings leading the revolution of USA defensemen on both sides of the ice.

Quinn Hughes draws first blood for Michigan with a wicked wrister at 5:12 in the first period. #NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/qhxNqjJkA4

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 25, 2018

Standing just 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds—albeit as a growing 17-year-old—Hughes refuses to be labeled as a pure offensive defenseman, which is usual for blue liners of his stature that make it in the NHL.

“[Being undersized] helped me because I knew how to survive when I was super small,” Hughes told George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press. “Now that I’m stronger, it’s helped me. I’m enjoying college—older competition, stronger competition. It’s helped me prepare for the next level.”

Hughes, like any player his size, has done everything he can to show he can continue to be a difference maker. He even graduated from high school early to be eligible for the collegiate level.

“It’s a chance to play against guys who are bigger and faster,” Hughes told Adam Herman of Sporting News in September. “If I didn’t think I was ready for [the challenge], I wouldn’t have gone the college route.”

His impressive season at Michigan has undoubtedly helped shed concerns. In January, Bob McKenzie said all 10 scouts he surveyed had Hughes slotted as the fifth or sixth overall pick.

Man, these are two highly skilled teams in Worcester. Lots of speed. (BU has a little more)..3-2 Michigan after Patrick Curry tuck. Michigan’s Quinn Hughes is breathtaking to watch. NHL speed and brain. His stock has to be rising.

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) March 25, 2018

As a top-10 projected pick, Hughes has acknowledged he thinks about where he’ll end up in June, but it may not come to fruition until after another season at Michigan where younger brother Jack Hughes—a projected 2019 top-10 pick with comparisons to Connor McDavid—could join him.

Jack would have to push himself to graduate early as well, and both players have fielded questions about the potential of playing together. While Quinn called it a dream come true, he’s maintained that their focus is on their current respective seasons.

Should Hughes take the next step in 2018-19, he’d be another early departure in a pattern that has seen Michigan lose star talent in recent seasons. It’s too early for him or the program to think about it, as they eye two more wins for the national championship.

Michigan faces Notre Dame tonight at 9:30 PM EST, and the winner will earn a trip to compete for a national title.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @JMessing23.