Quick Read
- Jack Hughes played his 400th NHL game on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
- He recorded an assist in the New Jersey Devils’ 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, January 23.
- Hughes has accumulated 382 points (152 goals, 230 assists) in his 400-game NHL career.
- He is tied for second in goals (11) and second in points (31) for the Devils as of January 22.
- Hughes is prioritizing the Devils’ playoff push, deferring his focus on the upcoming Olympics despite being selected for Team USA.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (Azat TV) – New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes recently achieved a significant career milestone, playing his 400th National Hockey League game on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. This accomplishment comes as the 24-year-old star reaffirms his unwavering commitment to the Devils’ current playoff aspirations, even as he secures a coveted spot on Team USA for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Hughes, a pivotal figure for the Devils since being drafted first overall in 2019, showcased his ongoing impact by providing a crucial assist in New Jersey’s hard-fought 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, January 23, at Rogers Arena. His leadership and focus remain squarely on his club’s immediate success, underscoring a mentality that prioritizes the present NHL season above all else.
Hughes Reaches Career Milestone Amidst Team Focus
Jack Hughes’ 400th NHL game underscores a career marked by consistent performance and leadership. Over his seven seasons with the Devils, he has amassed an impressive 382 points, with 152 goals and 230 assists, as reported by Yahoo Sports. His excellence has been recognized with two All-Star game appearances in 2022 and 2023, and he has represented the United States in international competitions, including the Four Nations Tournament.
Despite a brief period sidelined earlier this season due to an off-ice hand injury, Hughes has maintained a strong presence on the ice. As of January 22, he was tied for second in goals for the Devils with 11 and ranked second in overall points with 31, demonstrating his continued offensive prowess and importance to the team’s attack.
Prioritizing the Devils’ Playoff Drive Over Olympic Dreams
With his spot on Team USA for the Olympics already secured, many might expect Hughes to be mentally preparing for the international stage. However, Hughes has been explicit that his focus remains entirely on the New Jersey Devils. In an interview with Steph Driver of FanSided’s Pucks and Pitchforks, Hughes stated, ‘I haven’t even had time to prepare for the Olympics, because you’re so worried about my NJ Devils being in the mix here. I can’t even say the focus has shifted yet. You’re still worried about the Devils, and you’re focused on NHL hockey.’
This pragmatic approach highlights Hughes’ understanding of the narrow margins in an NHL season and the urgency of the Devils’ current situation. He expressed confidence in his team, asserting, ‘We have a really good team. What we’ve got to do is just act like it and play like it. We’ve got a great squad with good players, and we just have to figure out our game. If we do that, we’ll be right back in the playoffs where we should be.’ This mindset is crucial as the Devils navigate a meaningful stretch of games, aiming to solidify their position in the standings.
Navigating Offensive Challenges and Emerging Talent
The Devils’ recent 5-4 win against the Canucks saw contributions from Cody Glass, who netted two goals and an assist, Lenni Hameenaho, Nico Hischier, and Connor Brown, according to Trail Times. Hischier’s power-play goal in the second period, assisted by Hughes, extended the Devils’ lead to 2-0. While the win was vital, the team has faced challenges with consistent top-line scoring, with Hughes himself not having scored since Christmas, and Jesper Bratt also experiencing a recent drought, as noted by Pucks and Pitchforks.
However, the emergence of secondary scoring has provided a much-needed boost. Rookie Lenni Hameenaho, a 2023 second-round pick, scored his first NHL goal in just his third game, demonstrating an impressive offensive evolution. His line with Cody Glass and Arseny Gritsyuk has been instrumental, transforming into a potent offensive unit and providing crucial depth scoring for the Devils.
Beyond the Ice: Supporting Youth Hockey
Hughes also leverages his platform to give back to the hockey community. He has partnered with Mucinex Kickstart for their ‘Kickstart to Greatness’ campaign, which supports youth hockey. The campaign aims to highlight the dedication of coaches, parents, mentors, and volunteers who contribute to shaping the next generation of players. Mucinex has donated $20,000 to the USA Hockey Foundation as part of this initiative, an effort Hughes actively champions.
Jack Hughes’ ability to balance personal milestones, international aspirations, and a singular focus on his team’s immediate success demonstrates the maturity and leadership qualities essential for an NHL captain. His unwavering commitment to the New Jersey Devils, even while representing his country, provides a crucial anchor for the team as they push towards a playoff berth, illustrating that true leadership means prioritizing the collective goal above individual accolades.