Winter Olympics 2026 Olympics Jack Hughes playing like ‘elite player’ Team USA needs him to be at Olympics By Mollie Walker Published Feb. 20, 2026, 11:00 p.m. ET MILAN — Jack Hughes was slamming his stick on the ice during the United States’ power play.
The Devils star had already scored his second goal of the tournament off an aggressive move the period prior, but he was demanding the puck again.
It ricocheted off the end boards and right to Hughes, who buried it for a five-goal lead in Team USA’s eventual 6-2 win over Slovakia in the semifinals of the 2026 Olympics on Friday night.
Asked if he feels all the way back after the myriad injuries he’s battled through in recent years in the NHL, Hughes smiled.
United States’ Jack Hughes (86) celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during a men’s ice hockey semifinal game between the United States and Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. AP “I’ve felt all the way back the last bunch of years,” he said. “I don’t know, I’ve had a lot of injuries, but I’m a hockey player. I think I’ve been playing well. I know everyone doesn’t watch the Devils every single night, but I love where I’m at and I’ve always believed in myself. I know the player I am.“
With three goals and three assists through six games, Hughes has steadily earned more responsibility for the Americans.
He started on the fourth line with Brock Nelson and J.T. Miller, but has since moved up to the left wing of the third unit next to Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson.
Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said the intention was to give Hughes more ice time so that he could impact the game more.
It’s a 180-degree turn for Hughes after a disappointing 4 Nations tournament, in which he recorded just one assist in four games.
He largely faded to the background in an overly physical slate of games.
That has been far from the case since the 24-year-old arrived in Milan.
Jack Hughes of Team United States shoots in the third period on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images “Yeah, I mean he’s an elite player,” Hughes’ brother, Quinn, said after the game Friday. “I feel like whenever he’s healthy he’s one of the best players in the world. Sometimes he doesn’t get enough credit for that. People forget what a great player he is. Really happy for him that he’s able to show it in this tournament. He’s very tough and competitive and is just happy to be here and accepted any role he could.
“I think in the second period, with the power plays and penalty kills he didn’t play a lot there, and he comes out and scores that goal and he’s ready to go no matter what. That’s just a testament to where his mentality is at right now.”
