Hughes taking in newfound fame from Olympics, hopes to get Devils into playoff

Team USA hero back in spotlight for national game against rival Rangers

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils, has become a national hero after scoring the gold-medal winning goal for Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Since his heroics, Hughes has been in high demand, making appearances on various TV shows and even having a sandwich named after him. However, Hughes remains focused on helping the Devils make the playoffs, as they currently sit nine points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The game against the rival New York Rangers on Saturday will put Hughes back in the national spotlight.

Why it matters

Hughes' Olympic success has made him a role model for a new generation of hockey fans, and his newfound fame could help grow the sport's popularity in the United States. However, Hughes' primary focus is on leading the Devils to the playoffs, which would be a significant accomplishment for the team and the player.

The details

In the gold-medal game against Team Canada, Hughes scored the winning goal 1:41 into overtime, giving Team USA its first gold medal in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Since then, Hughes has been in high demand, making appearances on various TV shows and even having a sandwich named after him at a local deli. Despite the attention, Hughes remains focused on helping the Devils make the playoffs, as they currently sit nine points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

  • On February 22, 2026, Hughes scored the gold-medal winning goal for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
  • Hughes has missed 21 games this season, including 18 straight from November 15 to December 19 due to a non-hockey injury to his hand.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 24-year-old center for the New Jersey Devils who scored the gold-medal winning goal for Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward for the Florida Panthers and Hughes' teammate on Team USA.

Auston Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Team USA captain.

Luke Hughes

Jack Hughes' youngest brother and a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of Team USA at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

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What they’re saying

“What I love about Jack is he's preaching a lot of the stuff that our team talked about. The patriotism of playing for the United States, what it means to wear the red, white and blue, and how honored all 25 guys were to be representing the greatest country in the world. Jack has become a great ambassador for hockey with that.”

— Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward (NHL.com)

“I think everybody from that team has had a pretty whirlwind couple weeks but him probably more than anybody. But I'm so happy for him. He's an incredible person, incredible player. I think all the attention he's getting couldn't have happened to a better person. We're all super happy for him and I'm happy for him. He scored that goal. It was pretty big and changed a lot of our lives.”

— Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs and Team USA captain (NHL.com)

“The goals he scored were big-time goals. It's an emotional roller coaster when you go through these experiences, and I just think Jack was at the center of a lot of the good things that happened for our team. He's a high-stakes player. He brought his very best when the stakes were the highest.”

— Mike Sullivan, New York Rangers coach and former Team USA coach (NHL.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.