Rangers' JT Miller Gains New Respect for Devils' Jack Hughes After Olympics

The two NHL stars formed a strong bond while winning gold for Team USA in Milan.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:41am

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New York Rangers forward JT Miller revealed he has gained a newfound respect for New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes after the two played together on the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. Miller said he respects Hughes more as a person after their time representing Team USA, which included Hughes scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in the gold medal game.

Why it matters

The Olympics often bring out camaraderie and respect between rival NHL players, and this appears to be the case with Miller and Hughes. Their bond formed during the Olympics could impact their on-ice battles in the NHL's Metropolitan Division going forward.

The details

Miller and Hughes faced off against each other on Thursday night as the Rangers took on the Devils at Madison Square Garden. While the Devils won the game 6-3, Miller recorded an assist and Hughes scored a goal and added two assists. In the post-game, Miller praised Hughes' talent and character, saying 'I respect him more as a person to be honest with you' after their time together on the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics took place earlier this year.
  • The Rangers and Devils faced off on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

The players

JT Miller

A forward for the New York Rangers who won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.

Jack Hughes

A star forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored the game-winning goal for Team USA in the 2026 Olympic gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“I've had a lot of respect for him as a player — he's obviously an elite talent in the league, but I think I respect him more as a person to be honest with you.”

— JT Miller, New York Rangers Forward

What’s next

The Rangers and Devils will meet again on April 5, 2026 in New Jersey, giving Miller and Hughes another chance to face off as NHL rivals after their Olympic triumph.

The takeaway

The Olympics can forge strong bonds between players, even those who are fierce competitors in the NHL. The newfound respect between Miller and Hughes could make their matchups more intense, but also more sportsmanlike, as they carry their Olympic camaraderie into future NHL battles.