Patrik Elias could see it coming.
"When you paid attention to his progress," Elias said, "it was like okay, it's just a matter of time."
And that time is now.
Count Elias among those who were watching closely - and excitedly - as Jack Hughes was inching closer to his points in a single season record. So, with five games left in the Devils regular season, Elias picked up his phone to text Jack.
"I just told him, you've got only five games left and six points to go. And there he goes puts up a four point night," Elias shared through a laugh, "I was pretty sure he was going do it, being only one point away (when he texted Jack), but if it didn't happen, it would be just a matter of time when he's going to do it. He's just that offensively talented. And it's funny, I shouldn't have poked the bear, I guess, even though I guess he wasn't really sleeping."
On Saturday night against the Boston Bruins, Jack Hughes tied Elias' record with his 96th point in his 76th game of the season, with the primary assist on Jesper Bratt's opening goal.
Tonight, in the regular season home finale, Hughes scored an empty-net goal let to register his 97th point of the campaign.
It took 22 years and five days for someone to breakElias's record team record and Elias could not think of a better player to do it.
"I've obviously been watching him since the Day One in the draft" Elias said, "and his progress and the strides he has been making and you know, being that close, I think it's more special to do it when the team is doing well. And that's the most important thing. And he's been the motor for this team this year. So when he goes the team goes, and it's a great accomplishment."
Elias: Jack Hughes Breaking Record 'A Great Accomplishment' | FEATURE
With a goal, Hughes hits 97 points this season and breaks Elias' 22-year-old single-season points record