Olympic star Jack Hughes returns to NHL, jokes about his missing teeth as Devils resume playoff push

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New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes (86) speaks to fans before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes, right, and Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson gesture to fans before an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) — New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes (86) speaks to fans before an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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4:38 PM on Wednesday, February 25

By EVERETT MERRILL

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Olympic hero Jack Hughes was honored by the New Jersey Devils before their loss to Buffalo on Wednesday night as NHL play resumed following a three-week break. Hughes took a moment to bring out a special guest.

The Devils showed video of Hughes’ overtime goal in the United States’ 2-1 victory over Canada on Sunday in the gold medal game in Milan. Hughes made sure that one of his Team USA teammates — Buffalo star Tage Thompson — joined him at center ice and the cheers grew louder.

“I’m so proud and so happy that the men’s and women’s hockey teams brought the gold medal back to America,” Hughes told the crowd. “And I’m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization and to represent the great state of New Jersey.”

The 24-year-old center lost a few teeth in the third period of that game when he was high-sticked by Sam Bennett.

“I get goosebumps when I watch it back,” Hughes said after the game.

Hughes joked about his missing teeth.

“I’d have to look in the mirror and add it up,” he said. "I have a couple of half- teeth.”

Buffalo won for the seventh time in 10 games, 2-1, on goals from fellow Thompson and Peyton Krebs. Hughes assisted on Timo Meier’s goal late in the third. Hughes also had a turnover — to Thompson — that led to the second Buffalo goal.

“Obviously, this was a tough one for Jack,” Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said. “It’s been a whirlwind for him. He had a lot of short shifts early and Jack’s not a short shift guy. If he’s giving you short shifts, you know he’s not quite feeling it early. All things considered, he gave us a lot.”

Hughes was not at the morning skate Wednesday. He arrived in New Jersey late Tuesday after being recognized with his U.S. teammates by President Donald Trump at the State of the Union address.

Earlier in the week, a popular deli near the Prudential Center named a sandwich after Hughes. The sandwich is advertised as being ’so tender, you don’t need teeth.

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