Devils fans celebrate the return of Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes Returns to NHL After Olympic Glory

Newark, New Jersey – Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils made their return to the NHL on Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres. This was their first game since the Olympic break, and you could really feel the energy in the air, especially considering how much has changed for Hughes since he last donned the Devils jersey and skated at Prudential Center.

Just recently, he scored the critical goal that clinched the gold medal for Team USA in an overtime win against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. At just 24, he’s arguably become America’s most prominent hockey figure, receiving adoration from fans back in Newark.

Before facing Buffalo, the Devils took a moment to recognize all Olympians from 2026 and other international athletes. Unsurprisingly, Hughes received the loudest cheer from the crowd.

The pregame ceremony felt quite special. Fans relived the exhilarating moment of that gold-winning goal as it played on the jumbotron—cheering as if it was all happening again right there and then, with “USA” chants ringing through the arena decorated with American flags.

Hughes took a moment to acknowledge his Team USA teammate, Tage Thompson, who was with the visiting team, before he seized the mic. It was an emotional moment for him, almost bringing him to tears as he spoke to the crowd.

Celebrating the Gold Medal

Since clinching the gold in Italy, it’s been a busy few days for Team USA. They celebrated in Miami on Monday before most of them made their way to Washington, D.C., for President Trump’s state of the union address on Tuesday.

Despite feeling the heat from some critics in the media, Hughes remains proud and patriotic after winning this historic medal—the first for American men’s hockey since 1980. “Everything is very political. We are athletes. We are proud to represent the United States, and having the chance to meet the president is extremely patriotic,” he commented.

Players like Hughes, who were thrown back into their NHL routine, faced some challenges after such an intense experience. They might need a game or two to get back into the rhythm, but that’s probably something American hockey fans can overlook, given the excitement of having Hughes back on the ice.