One month after scoring the overtime winner that clinched Olympic gold for Team USA, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes has returned to the NHL with renewed purpose and strong production.
On February 22, 2026, at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, Hughes delivered a wrist shot from a cross-ice pass by defenseman Zach Werenski, just 1:41 into overtime, to secure a 2-1 victory over Canada. The goal marked the United States’ first men’s hockey gold medal since the 1980 Miracle on Ice, capping a perfect 6-0-0 tournament run. Hughes tallied seven points, including four goals and three assists, across six games, tying for the team lead among forwards and ranking second in tournament goals behind Canada’s Macklin Celebrini.
The 24-year-old, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, became only the second player to score an overtime goal in an Olympic gold medal game with NHL participants, joining Sidney Crosby from 2010. He started on Team USA’s fourth line on the wing before earning higher-line minutes, thriving alongside players like Tage Thompson and Dylan Larkin. His performance showcased elite midrange shooting, offensive zone possession, and skating stamina , metrics where he ranks in the top percentiles among NHL forwards this season.
Back with the Devils, Hughes has posted 19 points—six goals and 13 assists—in his first 12 games since the Olympics, contributing to seven team wins. Overall, he has 55 points (18 goals,37 assists) in 48 games, despite missing 21 contests due to injuries, including an 18-game stretch from a hand issue and a lower-body problem before the Olympic break. Teammates note a shift in his demeanor. Linemate Connor Brown described him as more assertive and inspirational, while coach Sheldon Keefe praised his ability to excel in varied roles and grow as a leader.
Despite his individual success, the Devils sit outside playoff contention with a slim chance remaining. Hughes, who has reached the postseason just once in seven NHL seasons, eyes a club turnaround, leveraging his bounce-back form and historic momentum.
Jack Hughes not only got his tooth fixed but he also confirmed the Team USA group chat is still going.
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) March 24, 2026
“It’s been ripping pretty much everyday since we’ve won so I’m sure it’ll keep going.” pic.twitter.com/RQK3JWIjZM
