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Overshadowed by bigger names, Cameron Hughes is off to a great start in Providence

He might not grab the prospect headlines, but he’s been impressive to start the AHL season.

NHL: Preseason-Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron Hughes may not be a household name when it comes to the Bruins and their prospects, but the rookie forward has been one of Providence’s more consistent players since the season began.

As of the end of October, he sits second behind Colby Cave with eight points through nine games and is tied for second with four goals.

He also scored his first professional hat-trick on Sunday, with the third goal coming on a penalty shot, which you can see here:

While mainly being used as a winger, Hughes’ energetic pace has allowed him to contribute on both special teams units. Additionally, it has given the coaches some confidence in using him up and down the lineup. He’s certainly found a nice niche over the first few weeks of the season.

Hughes’ start to the season reminds me of the start Ryan Fitzgerald had last year. Fitzgerald was one of Providence’s more effective players early on, despite being overshadowed by names like Kenny Agostino and Austin Czarnik.

Obviously, Agostino and Czarnik are gone, but even in Providence, it seems Hughes is still lost in the shuffle when prospect discussions surface.

He was picked in the sixth round of a 2015 draft that fetched the Bruins a lot of talented prospects, and did not produce crazy offensive numbers before turning pro like some of his counterparts did.

Still, Hughes has emerged as one of Providence’s more impressive players through four weekends of game action.