Jack Hughes Looks Ready, Devils Still Searching for Answers as Olympics Near
There’s some encouraging news out of Italy for Devils fans - Jack Hughes is back on the ice and looking like himself again. The star forward took part in a brisk 30-minute practice session at Santagiulia Arena and, by all accounts, showed no lingering signs of injury.
“Feel good. Feel good,” Hughes said afterward.
“Body feels in a good spot.”
That’s music to New Jersey’s ears, especially with the 2026 Winter Olympics right around the corner. Hughes is expected to be a key piece for Team USA, and his health has been under the microscope since he went down earlier this season. For now, it looks like he’s trending in the right direction at just the right time.
Former NHLer Mike Rupp weighed in on Hughes’ situation and the broader state of the Devils, and let’s just say he didn’t sugarcoat it. Rupp pointed to head coach Sheldon Keefe’s recent comments about the team having “found the recipe” - but then offered a biting metaphor of his own: the ingredients are rotting, the guests have left, and the silverware’s collecting dust. In other words, the Devils may have figured out what works… but they’re not exactly executing it.
It’s a fair critique. New Jersey has been inconsistent this season, struggling to find rhythm or momentum despite a roster loaded with talent. Injuries haven’t helped, but with the season winding down and Olympic play looming, the Devils need to rediscover their identity - and fast.
International Hockey Is Back in a Big Way
Zooming out, the hockey world is buzzing with anticipation. For the first time since 2014, NHL players are officially back in the Olympics. The 2026 Milano-Cortina Games mark the return of true best-on-best men’s international hockey - something fans and players alike have been craving for over a decade.
Since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the upcoming 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, there’s been a slow build toward this moment. Now, it’s finally here.
The stakes are high, and the rosters are stacked. This is the kind of tournament that creates legends and defines careers.
One notable absence, however, will be Team Russia. Still banned from Olympic competition due to the ongoing sanctions stemming from the invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s absence leaves a major “what if” hanging over the tournament.
In a recent player poll, 118 NHLers were asked where they thought Russia would have finished had they been allowed to compete. The answers varied, but the curiosity remains - how would a team with that much talent have stacked up?
Off-Ice News: Gavin McKenna’s Charges Dropped
In off-ice news, Penn State standout Gavin McKenna is no longer facing felony aggravated assault charges. The Centre County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that the charge would be dropped. McKenna, a rising star in the NCAA ranks, can now shift his focus back to hockey as his legal situation clears up.
With Hughes back in action, the Devils trying to right the ship, and the Olympic spotlight about to shine on the world’s best, it’s a pivotal stretch for hockey fans. Whether you're watching from New Jersey or Milan, the next few weeks promise to deliver plenty of drama - both on and off the ice.