The New Jersey Devils missed the playoffs last season, and part of that reason has to do with Jack Hughes dealing with injuries once again. However, many people are going to remember him for scoring the golden goal in overtime for Team U.S.A. in the Winter Olympics against Team Canada. This was the first time since 1980 that Team U.S.A. won the gold medal.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 02: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his goal during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Prudential Center on April 02, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Hughes is very talented and is only 25 years old. In 61 games played last season with New Jersey, he scored 27 goals and recorded 50 assists. His plus/minus rating was 0. This franchise needs to make the playoffs with him leading the way this season and staying healthy. They finished in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division with a 42-37-3 record with 87 points. Many Devils fans will complain about point system, but it is what it is for them.
New Jersey Devils Looking For a Big Season From Jack Hughes
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 25: Jack Hughes #86 of the New Jersey Devils gestures in a pregame welcome home ceremony following the Olympics Team USA gold medal win prior to the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center on February 25, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The only time that Hughes has played close to 82 games in his career was during the 2022-2023 season where he dressed up for 78 games. That was the same year where the Devils took down the New York Rangers in seven games in the playoffs before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second-round. In order for New Jersey to take that step, he will need to stay on the ice and produce.
Hughes and this team have a lot of talent on the roster under head coach Sheldon Keefe. If he can play in 78 or more games this season for New Jersey, they can very well be back in the playoffs. Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, Luke Hughes, and others can help Jack out as well.
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