When history is made, it leaves its mark. Just as Jack Hughes etched his name into hockey lore, when he clinched Team USA’s first men’s Olympic ice hockey gold in 46 years with a golden goal 1:41 into overtime against Canada at Milano Cortina 2026. His battle trophy from the night, apart from the medal? Two front teeth knocked out by a high stick. Though it seems one precious piece remains missing from the bloodied ice.

That just happens to be the puck with which Hughes scored Team USA’s overtime game-winning goal. The Hockey Hall of Fame in Canada recently put it out for display, and that didn’t go down well with Hughes.

“I’m trying to get it,” Jack Hughes told ESPN. “Like, that’s bulls*** that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?”

Hughes recalls beating Canada’s goalie Jordan Binnington with a slick shot at 1:41 of overtime. That golden goal clinched the U.S. men’s first Olympic ice hockey gold since the Miracle on Ice in 1980. In the NHL, players snag milestone pucks and gear as keepsakes, while the Hall often asks nicely for donations. It is often the stars and teams that call the shots.

However, this week, the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto unveiled that puck alongside Megan Keller’s game-winner from the U.S. women’s team gold. According to the New Jersey Devils star center, though, it should’ve ended up with him.

That led to an uproar among fans until a spokesperson for the International Ice Hockey Federation revealed that the puck was with them. As per the statement, the puck was taken and “designated for archival preservation” to ensure its “historical” significance.

Not to mention, the Hockey Hall of Fame showcased more than Jack Hughes’ and Megan Keller’s game-winning pucks. Hilary Knight’s jersey and Brady Tkachuk’s sweater joined the display. Jack Hughes burns to reclaim his puck, but a packed schedule has kept him from contacting the Hall yet.

But Hughes isn’t giving up on it. His reason runs deeper than it being a simple souvenir.

“I wouldn’t even want it for myself. I’d want it for my dad. I know he’d just love, love having it,” Jack added. “When I look back in time in my career, I don’t collect too many things for myself, but my dad’s a monster collector for the three of us. I know he would have a special place for it.”

Only time will tell if he succeeds in getting it back or not. For now, nearly a month later, the American still basks in the gold-medal glow and the love he’s received since then.

Jack Hughes touches upon the reception he’s got since his return

That goal, however, has made Hughes a national hero since then. So much so that the 24-year-old has been in a media whirlwind, attending event after event. That includes appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Pat McAfee Show, and more.

Not only that, but he also made an appearance at a New York Raising Cane’s alongside fellow gold-medalist and Team USA’s MVP at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Caroline Harvey. There, Jack Hughes touched upon just how much love the fans have shown him and how his life had changed in an interview.

“Obviously, since we’ve come back to the U.S., you feel the love, people are still pumped for us. All the people in the streets, they’re like ‘Thank you.’ They’re so fired up. That’s the best thing for us to hear. That’s the best part, coming home,” Hughes said as per Fox News.

“Even Rangers fans, they keep coming up to me like, ‘I’m a die-hard Rangers fan, but I’m having a hard time not rooting for you.’ I know that’s a great fan base, too. Just all proud Americans.”

And he has repaid that faith with the New Jersey Devils, as he has been in good form for his side. The 24-year-old has either scored or assisted in all but two games since his return. That includes a hat-trick against rivals, the New York Rangers.

Now, Devils fans will be hoping that Jack Hughes replicates that performance when they face the Rangers next. Will he succeed in doing so? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!