MILAN — He has looked like a different Jack Hughes than the one who showed up at 4 Nations a year ago, doing more with less of a role.
He has looked like a different Jack Hughes than the one who’s had an injury-riddled season and drawn the ire of the Devils’ fan base, controlling the puck and dominating shifts.
He has sounded like a different Jack Hughes off the ice, suddenly smiling and affable and engaging.
“Just been fun playing with all these guys,” Team USA’s No. 86 said following practice on Tuesday. “Guys you’re always playing against. Feel like the buildup to the Olympics has been so big for so many years. Just to be here, be in the experience and be in the moment, it’s so fun. We’ve been looking forward to it for so long, so to be here is an unbelievable experience.”
