Jack Hughes reacts to joke about past injury during ESPN interview
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 2:25 AM
Last updated Oct 2, 2026
Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils started their season with a 3-2 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 1, 2026. Hughes scored the deciding goal and participated in a mid-game interview with ESPN’s A.J. Mleczko, who made a joke referencing Hughes' previous injury at a team dinner. Hughes did not find the joke humorous, stating it was 'weird' before skating away. Despite the comment, he remained focused during the game, which started their season positively.
- •Hughes scored the game-winning goal for the Devils against the Flyers.
- •He missed 18 games last season due to a finger injury from a team dinner.
- •Mleczko joked about using bubble wrap and plastic cutlery in the interview.
- •Hughes expressed discomfort with the joke during the live segment.
- 2:25 AMYahoo Sports — Jack Hughes stunned by ‘weird joke’ from ESPN reporter during interview
"Hughes missed 18 games after an accident at a team dinner last season. He wasn't ready to laugh.
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