What a rollercoaster year it's been for Jack Hughes. It kicked off with whispers of a Hughes family reunion in New Jersey, with Quinn potentially joining Jack and Luke.
But fate had other plans. A freak injury at a team dinner sidelined Jack, and just when the family reunion seemed imminent, Minnesota swooped in to snag Quinn, leaving the Devils' fans stunned.
As if that wasn't enough, another injury hit Jack before the Olympics, but he bounced back in style, netting the Golden goal in Milan.
The twists and turns have been nothing short of dramatic, sparking plenty of chatter about Hughes' future with the Devils. The trade of his brother Quinn to the Wild fueled speculation that Jack might eventually join him in Minnesota. Add in some injury woes and inconsistent play, and the rumor mill was buzzing about whether New Jersey might consider parting ways.
Those questions seemed valid at the time. However, Hughes' Olympic heroics have changed the narrative, and his recent comments suggest he's not planning to leave the Garden State anytime soon.
“I really do love living in New Jersey, playing in New Jersey. For some reason, when I got drafted here-obviously, I’m a first-overall pick, I’m an American kid-I just felt like they accepted me so deeply.
I feel like I’m their guy. I’m their guy.
Every time I drive in, all I see is people walking around at 4:30 wearing Hughes jerseys, and I roll my window down and scream at them, ‘Love that!’ Just to represent New Jersey, to represent our fans, I’m so proud to be a Devil.
It means so much to me. New Jersey means so much to me,” Hughes shared.
Now in his fourth year of an eight-year, $64 million extension with the Devils, Hughes continues to deliver, averaging a point per game with 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) in 37 games this season.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, the injury concerns linger. Yet, his Olympic performance-and many moments throughout his career-prove that when he's fit, Hughes is among the elite, a genuine game-changer.
And let's not forget, he's just entering his prime. There's still plenty of room for growth for this superstar center.