US Olympic Hockey Hero Jack Hughes Returns to NHL

After media tour, Devils star refocuses on playoff push with New Jersey

Mar. 4, 2026 at 12:21am

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Jack Hughes, the U.S. men's hockey team's golden goal-scorer at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, has returned to his day job with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL. After a whirlwind media tour that included appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show," the 24-year-old is ready to shift his focus back to helping the Devils make a playoff push.

Why it matters

Hughes' Olympic heroics have made him a national star, but he must now balance that newfound fame with the demands of the NHL season. As the Devils fight for a postseason berth, Hughes' performance could have major implications for the team's success.

The details

After scoring the game-winning goal that clinched the U.S. men's hockey team's first Olympic gold medal since 1980, Hughes has been on a media blitz, sharing the stage with celebrities like Lorne Michaels and Jimmy Fallon. Now, he's ready to get back to the grind of the NHL regular season, with a matchup against Olympic teammate Matthew Tkachuk and the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers up next.

  • On February 22, 2026, Hughes scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. men's hockey team in the Olympic gold medal game against Canada.
  • Hughes has been on a media tour since his Olympic heroics, including appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
  • Hughes returned to practice with the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, March 4, 2026, ahead of the team's matchup against Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 24-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils who scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. men's hockey team in the 2026 Olympic gold medal game.

Matthew Tkachuk

An Olympic teammate of Hughes who plays for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

Lorne Michaels

The creator and executive producer of "Saturday Night Live," where Hughes made an appearance during his media tour.

Jimmy Fallon

The host of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," where Hughes also made an appearance.

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, who has won the Stanley Cup the past two seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The best couple weeks of my life and just a lot of fun celebrating with the guys and enjoying it. Now, after all this, it's in the rearview mirror for a little bit. We'll pull it out back in the summer. But yeah, it's back to Devils and locking back in here and trying to win some games.”

— Jack Hughes

“Now we have that special bond of just accomplishing something so special that we're linked together forever. We're brothers forever, champions forever.”

— Matthew Tkachuk

“If he becomes part of Stanley Cup champions, it will be as it was with Mr. Crosby: It'll be a wonderful thing to add. Wonderful for our game. We should all celebrate that. How it impacts him, I think he's got lots of years to write a longer story.”

— Paul Maurice, Florida Panthers Head Coach

What’s next

Hughes and the Devils will face off against Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, in a matchup of Olympic teammates.

The takeaway

Hughes' Olympic heroics have made him a national star, but he must now balance that newfound fame with the demands of the NHL season. As the Devils fight for a playoff spot, Hughes' performance could have major implications for the team's success.