Olympic star Jack Hughes earns huge ovation during NHL return

Feb 26, 2026 - 07:30

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Olympic star Jack Hughes earns huge ovation during NHL return

The 2026 Winter Olympics might be over, but Jack Hughes is still living his best life as he prepares for the final stretch of the NHL season.

The New Jersey Devils standout returned to his NHL team Wednesday after visiting the White House with his Team USA men’s hockey squad the day prior.

Jack Hughes received a monster ovation from the New Jersey crowd after delivering an Olympic gold medal. However, the 24 year old made an admirable decision while receiving his praise from the Prudential Center crowd.

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Jack Hughes brought out Tage Thompson and spoke to the New Jersey crowd in his return to the NHL after they brought home the gold medal pic.twitter.com/4p1bBMKRns— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 26, 2026

Hughes decided to call out Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson and have him come out to celebrate the Team USA gold medal. Thompson and Hughes spent the last several weeks as teammates at the Milan Cortina Games.

The duo skated around the ice to chants of ‘USA” following their massive success at the Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, Hughes and his family had a special moment on the ice prior to the NHL game. New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill even presented Hughes with a NJ flag before the puck was dropped.

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New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes receives a NJ flag before an NHL regular season game. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

While the endless support for the American men’s team has been abundant recently, Hughes now has the challenge of trying to claw the Devils back into contention.