At the moment, every person and entity in the world wants a piece of Team USA hero Jack Hughes.
Especially his NHL team, the New Jersey Devils.
After scoring the game-winning Winter Olympic Games gold medal goal in the men’s hockey tournament on Sunday, Hughes hasn’t been given a moment of silence.
He’s been either partying, doing interviews, getting celebrated, or getting asked by reporters to smile for him after getting two of his teeth knocked out in the gold medal game versus Canada.
More news: USA’s Auston Matthews Facing Heavy Blowback For Possibly Missing NHL Return
More news: Jack Hughes Surprises With Who He Thought Of After USA’s Olympic Win
It’s been nonstop for the 24-year-old, who went from people online debating whether he should make Team USA to now being immortalized as one of the most important players to ever wear the jersey.
But after partying in the Olympic Village, going wild in Miami for the return home, and then a visit to the White House on Tuesday, Hughes finally returned to the Devils early on Wednesday before they play at home against the surging Buffalo Sabres.
Hughes made it back to New Jersey and could start on Wednesday, but he missed the morning practice with the rest of his Devils teammates.
The New Jersey Devils star isn’t the only Team USA player to get home right before a scheduled game, as Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has also faced blowback for not getting back with the team until Wednesday morning.
Hughes has been adamant that he is just enjoying himself and representing the country that he loves. He’s spoken about how people on social media are only trying to bring him and his team down, but he’ll push through it and make the most of what is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the first USA men’s gold medal in 46 years.
The Devils need their star Hughes, though, as they currently sit with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference and need a blistering end to the season for a shot at the playoffs.
