There’s little doubt that Jack Hughes is one of the top skaters in the NHL.
The 24-year-old is one of the better-known stars in the NHL, having already graced the cover EA Sports’ popular NHL video game series along with being a three-time All-Star before he even turned 23 years old.
During Hughes’ fourth season in the NHL (2022-23), he set a single-season franchise record in points (99) and led the New Jersey Devils to a franchise record 52 wins. Not a bad thing to add to the resume for a franchise that has had some of the greatest NHL players ever in Scott Stevens and Martin Brodeur.
While his NHL accomplishments are impressive, what may now top the list is Hughes’ selection to the Team USA roster. Hughes – who was born in Orlando and grew up in Toronto – speaks with great appreciation for being named to the 2026 Winter Olympics roster.
Hughes – along with his brother Quinn Hughes, a star defenseman – is one of 25 players on the Team USA roster. A lot of them are already familiar with each other, having played together at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February.
Team USA will begin play in Milan, Italy during a two-week period in February.
“Just a dream come true,” said Hughes in a one-on-one interview. “Extremely special. NHL’ers gone to the Olympics in over 10 years, so to be a part of it now, and the first Olympics where NHL’ers are back in the mix, and I get to do with my brother, so I’m super lucky, and I’m really excited to get back on.”
Team USA will obviously be looking to win its first gold medal since the infamous “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980. As they proved last year when they beat Team Canada before losing to them in overtime in the final, this may be the first team to do exactly that.
The Team USA roster features a number of current star players in the league and arguably its toughest and most complete roster ever. When scanning the roster, it not only features proven All-Stars in the Hughes brothers, but also the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady Tkachuk).
Matthew Tkachuk is obviously well-known for being one of the leaders of the two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. He’s also one of the most well-known personalities in the NHL, hosting a podcast with his brother along with being the current cover athlete of EA Sports’ NHL video game series.
“It’s hard to say, there’s so many big dogs in that room,” said Hughes when asked who has the biggest personality on the roster. “You could say it’s the best player from everyone’s respective teams. But I’d say Matthew Tkachuk. He’s a guy that’s won the last couple years. He’s a really outgoing, likable guy, and he’s the guy that can really bring people together. I got a lot of respect for Matthew, and I just think he’s an elite teammate and a guy that can really bring a group together fast.”
It is the first time since 2014 that NHL players will participate in the Olympics. Sidney Crosby – the only holdover from the gold medal-winning team from Team Canada in 2014 – will be looking to win again in what could potentially be his last Olympics appearance.
Although Team Canada is favored, it’s not by much with Team USA as the second-most favored team.
Team USA’s near victory over Team Canada last year and the chemistry and camaraderie that this unit has may be what helps deliver them their first gold medal since 1980.
“I think it helps, for sure, it’s such a short turn and whoever can turn into a team the fastest and can get the chemistry going,” said Hughes of the key to Team USA winning it all. ” We have a great locker room that’s going to help so much, you know. It helps that we had 4 Nations Face-off last year and it’s pretty much the same group of guys.
“Like I said, all these guys have been through the program together, played USA Hockey together, and there’s so many tournaments you compete against these guys on a nightly basis,” Hughes continued to say. “But it’s not like you’re just throwing a bunch of random guys on this team. These are guys that have known each other for a long, long time, and guys that really respect and like each other.”
Jack Hughes Details Partnership With Mucinex Kickstart
Leading into the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hughes is partnering with Mucinex Kickstart, which saw him film a fun commercial with Mr. Mucus on the ice. Hughes said he’s pretty comfortable being in front of the camera at this point of his career.
“That was good,” Hughes said of the commercial. “Long day shooting and then obviously they had that the Mr. Mucus guy out there just hanging out on the ice all day. That was pretty much what was going on. I think pro athletes your whole life is in front of the camera, pretty much with all the games and stuff that’s going on, so pretty used to it at this point.”
Hughes detailed why he’s partnered with Mucinex and said he’s used their products for awhile. He also said that Mucinex has taken the initiative to help out with youth hockey, something that he’s very passionate about.
“A brand that I’ve used in the past to stay healthy throughout the year,” said Hughes. “I know Mucinex Kickstarts in every locker room. Guys are always using that and then obviously they took an initiative to help out with youth hockey and made a donation to USA Hockey Foundation. That’s something I’m really passionate about is youth hockey. Just a good partnership both ways.”