New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes was named to Team USA’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the natural centre is well aware he’ll likely be moving to the wing for the tournament. While Hughes is totally fine with sliding over, he’s begun his pitch to have Toronto Maple Leafs’ superstar Auston Matthews down the middle of his line.

Hughes spoke with NHL.com’s Mike Morreale on Thursday and didn’t hide from the fact he’d love the first crack at playing alongside Matthews at the best-on-best tournament. “Just seeing him and Mitch Marner do their thing,” Hughes told Morreale. “It’d be fun to play with a guy that has scored [69] goals in the NHL, so even if it’s a few games, that’s something I’m definitely looking forward to … the possibility of that.”

Matthews was named to the team back in June, as one of the original six players Team USA called upon, meanwhile, Hughes was added this week as all four teams filled out their rosters. So far this season, Hughes has scored 11 goals and 33 points in 28 games and could be the perfect type of playmaker Matthews needs to find him in open areas of the ice.

“When you look at the roster, I kind of assume I’ll play the wing and that’s really exciting,” Hughes said. “With the level of players there, whether it’s center or wing, or whatever it is, I’m excited to play with some guys that usually we see on a nightly basis”

The indirect connection here is the fact former Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe is now behind the bench in New Jersey and has now seen both players up close and personal. Keefe was asked by Morreale about the potential combo and it’s obvious the Devils’ bench boss thinks the duo could be special.

“I don’t know how they will put the lines together, but Jack is so elite with carrying the puck up the ice, making plays and bringing people to him,” Keefe said. “Marner and Matthews have been such a great match together in Toronto. I think there’s a lot of similarities there in terms of style and game (with Hughes and Marner). Obviously, a lefty versus a righty, but both those guys, no matter who they play with, find ways to get success.”

The 4 Nations Face-Off kicks off in February and we’ll have to wait and see if Hughes gets his wish to play alongside the Maple Leafs’ captain. The Devils’ star is certainly doing his best to at least get the conversation started.