Jack Hughes Teases End Of Iconic Toothless Look After Gold Medal Win

Devils star hints his viral, high-stick mangled teeth may not last after Team USA's Olympic triumph.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes became an overnight sensation at the Olympics due to his iconic, toothless grin after sustaining a high-stick injury late in the gold medal game. Hughes, who appeared on The Tonight Show with his brother Quinn and US women's team captain Hillary Knight, hinted that his viral look may not last much longer, even as fans have embraced the hockey legend's mangled chompers.

Why it matters

Hughes' toothless smile has drawn comparisons to legendary hockey photos, like the iconic image of Philadelphia Flyers great Bobby Clarke grinning after winning the Stanley Cup. While messed-up hockey teeth are often seen as a badge of honor, Hughes may opt to fix his teeth now that the Olympics are over.

The details

During his Tonight Show appearance, Hughes told host Jimmy Fallon that he doesn't plan to keep his viral, mangled teeth look. "I can promise you that this won't be my thing," Hughes said. The 21-year-old forward explained that while he's felt a lot of love and support since returning to the US, people keep asking him to "smile" for photos, referencing his toothless grin.

  • Hughes sustained the high-stick injury late in the Olympic gold medal game.
  • Hughes appeared on The Tonight Show on Monday to discuss his viral look.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 21-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils who became an overnight sensation at the Olympics due to his iconic, toothless grin after sustaining a high-stick injury late in the gold medal game.

Quinn Hughes

Jack Hughes' brother, who also appeared on The Tonight Show alongside him and US women's team captain Hillary Knight.

Hillary Knight

The captain of the US women's Olympic hockey team, who appeared on The Tonight Show with the Hughes brothers.

Bobby Clarke

A legendary Philadelphia Flyers player whose iconic, toothless grin after winning the Stanley Cup has drawn comparisons to Jack Hughes' viral look.

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What they’re saying

“I can promise you that this won't be my thing.”

— Jack Hughes (Daily Mail)

The takeaway

While Hughes' toothless grin has become an instant hockey legend, the 21-year-old star may opt to fix his teeth now that the Olympics are over, even as fans have embraced his mangled chompers as a badge of honor in the sport.