Hughes' ability to create offense from seemingly impossible positions makes him the heartbeat of New Jersey’s attack. The 25-year-old had 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) and averaged 21:50 of ice time in 25 games upon his return to the Devils after the Olympics.
The lingering question has been health. Hughes has played more than 62 regular-season games only once since entering the League in 2019-20. That one season (2022-23) showed what is possible: 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) in 78 games and a trip to the Eastern Conference Second Round.
"Health has always been a bit of an issue, and he takes it seriously," Brodeur said.
Hughes also appears ready to leave those frustrations behind. He described the Olympic triumph as an emotional conclusion to a difficult stretch in his career.
"It capped it all off, just the struggle and going through things and all those injuries," Hughes said. "Now I'm refreshed, I'm happy and I'm not worried about the past. I'm just excited for what's to come."
New Jersey defenseman Luke Hughes knows exactly what his brother is feeling.
"I think that was kind of a close-the-chapter moment for him," Luke said of the ‘Golden Goal.’ "With all the injuries and all the adversity he's been through over the last couple years, I think that was a really nice way to tie that chapter up. I feel like he's in a new stage in his career."
Luke doesn't believe Olympic glory changed Jack's personality. He sees it more as validation for someone who has always possessed extraordinary drive.
"He's always been really hyper-motivated and extremely competitive and the heartbeat of our team," he said. "He's the same person he's always been, and he just keeps getting better every year."
The Devils also worked to give their star center more support this season. Hughes pointed to additions such as forwards Evan Rodrigues, Luke Evangelista and Anthony Mantha as reasons New Jersey could possess its deepest forward group in several years.
Brodeur believes that depth will allow Hughes to play with greater freedom.
"He's going to be able to play his game and not have to worry about, 'Oh, if I miss a game or two, the team's going to crumble,'" Brodeur said. "Now we've got that support that if something happens, we should be OK."
Mantha received an immediate look alongside Hughes and Jesper Bratt on the opening day of training camp on Thursday. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound right wing understood the significance of that opportunity.
"Anyone that would tell you they don't want to stick there would be a liar," Mantha said. "They're two of the fastest players in the League. You need to play that smart edge and be in the right place at the right time."
For Hughes, greater depth could create more favorable matchups and reduce some of the physical and offensive burden. It could also help transform the lessons of Milan into meaningful NHL success.
Now entering his eighth season, Hughes, an assistant captain with Bratt, feels increasingly comfortable asserting himself alongside captain Nico Hischier, and New Jersey’s veteran leaders.
"I'm obviously not afraid to do what I think I need to do," Hughes said. "There shouldn't be any shortage of leadership in that locker room.”
The Olympic ‘Golden Goal’ will forever belong to Hughes. But Brodeur's larger point is that winning it may have given him belief, perspective and a clearer understanding of how to lead.
Hughes has already delivered on one of hockey's greatest stages. His next objective is to help the Devils qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and place them in position to chase their own defining moment.
"I want to be in the playoffs playing the big-time hockey games, big-time moments," Hughes said. "That's what it's all about."
NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen contributed to this report.
