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Jack Hughes has worn a USA jersey before, but next month it will be a completely different level.
The New Jersey Devils superstar was a part of the US National Development Program Team from 2017 until becoming the first overall pick in 2019. During that time, he played in numerous global tournaments, including the 2019 World Juniors, and last year he was part of the 4 Nations tournament.
Last year, Hughes said, was a “pretty crazy buildup,” but the number of nations in the fight for next year’s Olympic gold will reach 12, making it a truly international competition.
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Jack Hughes of Team USA warms up before the 4 Nations Head to Head Championship match between Team Canada and Team USA at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Ben Jackson/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)
“I haven’t actually played in international games since 2019 at the World Juniors. So to be able to play in the Olympics, I mean, that’s the biggest stage as well, so I’m really excited and it’s something I’m looking forward to,” Hughes told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview.
The United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden participated in the tournament last year, which was the first time international hockey featured a competition among the best since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
For Hughes, it was a completely different type of sport.
“How competitive and fun the games were. I mean, you have the best players in the world, all in one game, there’s only one puck. It’s crazy,” Hughes said.
“It’s crazy how fast those games were and how skillful they were and how the smallest plays can make a big difference, or one little mistake can open things up for the other team. So yeah, it’ll be interesting. We might not even play Canada when we’re there, but, you know, it was a lot of fun to be a part of those games against Canada in 4 Nations, and I’m sure the Olympics will be just as good.”
And, at the risk of being cheesy, Hughes could just watch “Miracle” while in Milan to get the patriotic juices flowing.
Jack Hughes of the United States stands on the blue line as the American flag is raised following a 3-1 quarterfinal victory against the Czech Republic at the IIHF World Junior Championship at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Center on January 2, 2019 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Kevin Light/Getty Images)
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“I would say all the players grew up watching Miracle on Ice. It’s like when people ask me what my Olympic memories are, the first thing I say is growing up and watching Miracle, it’s a legendary movie. When you think about the Olympics, you think about that, and that’s where you want to be a part.”
The Olympic Games, however, present a challenge. Hughes and his Devils are in the middle of a playoff fight, as Team USA drops the puck in about three weeks. It’s already a season full of late nights and long trips, and the Olympics, for the first time in 12 years, are forcing that on NHL players. But with Mucinex Kickstart, Hughes has been able to stay in top shape for the Devils and hopes to do so for the United States.
“When I was exhausted (earlier in the season), I took some Mucinex Kickstart to try to feel better and get ready to feel good enough to play. Honestly, you travel a lot, you’re on the go, late nights and stuff, so you try to rest and feel good. And when you feel bad, you just take the supplements and try to feel better,” Hughes said.
It will also undoubtedly be a whirlwind of emotions and pressure between now and April (hopefully June, for Hughes’ sake).
“You don’t want to overlook the season at all, because you still have three weeks to a month before we can head to the Olympics. It’s a little bit like, you have something coming up in the Olympics, it’s such an exciting time, and you’re so excited to be a part of it. But you can’t look past your NHL schedule, because that’s the most important thing,” Hughes said. “And, you know, with New Jersey, we’re trying to find wins and win hockey games, start playing a little better.
Jack Hughes of Team USA skates in front during the second period of the 4 Nations matchup between Team Sweden and Team USA at TD Garden on February 17, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Babineau/4NFO/Hockey World Cup via Getty Images)
“So the next two weeks are really important for the rest of our year. We have to go really deep in the next three weeks before we go to the Olympics, but I think it’s all really exciting. You get to play in the NHL and then on top of that you have a break, and then we can go play in the Olympics, and then we come back, and we have a crazy push in the playoffs. So the next few months should be a lot of fun.”
