Team USA just got a major boost on the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina - and it comes in the form of one of the NHL’s most dynamic young stars. Jack Hughes, the electric New Jersey Devils center, is expected to be available for Olympic play, despite a recent injury that raised some red flags.
Hughes went down with a lower-body injury during the Devils’ game against the Nashville Predators on January 29. It happened early - he left the ice in the first period with a trainer, gave it one more shift, and then called it a night. That was enough to spark concern, especially considering Hughes’ importance not only to the Devils but also to Team USA’s medal hopes in Italy.
Fortunately, the early indications are promising. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe labeled the injury as "not serious," and while Hughes has missed three consecutive games since, the team is clearly opting for caution over urgency. He’s currently listed as day-to-day, and New Jersey’s medical staff isn’t taking any unnecessary risks with their franchise cornerstone.
Before the injury, Hughes was in a groove. Over his last 11 games, he racked up 12 points - a blend of slick passing, high-IQ playmaking, and that signature burst that makes him such a headache for opposing defenses.
On the season, he’s sitting on a point-per-game pace: 36 points in 36 appearances, with an even split of 12 goals and 24 assists. He entered the Nashville game riding a three-game point streak, a reminder of just how consistently dangerous he’s been when healthy.
It’s also worth noting: this isn’t the first time Hughes has had to battle through injury this season. Back in November, he missed 18 games after suffering a hand injury - bizarrely, during a team dinner. But when he returned on December 21 against Buffalo, he made an immediate impact, scoring in his first game back and picking up right where he left off.
Looking ahead, the Devils have a bit of a breather in their schedule. They’re set to face the Islanders on February 5, and then they don’t play again until February 25 when they host the Sabres. That extended break could be just what Hughes needs to get back to full strength without rushing the process.
As for Team USA, they’ll open their Olympic campaign against Latvia on February 12. Having Hughes in the lineup would be a game-changer - not just because of his offensive talent, but because of the tempo and creativity he brings to the ice. He’s the kind of player who can tilt the rink in your favor every time he hops over the boards.
If Hughes is good to go, Team USA’s chances in Milano Cortina get a significant lift.