Jack Hughes gave American hockey the moment it had been chasing for nearly half a century. His overtime winner handed Team USA its first men’s Olympic gold medal in 46 years and closed out a statement run in Milan.
The New Jersey Devils center was pivotal throughout the tournament, leading the team with four goals while tacking on three assists.
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At just 24 years old, the top pick from the 2019 NHL Draft found himself under a different kind of spotlight at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Milan became the stage where he announced himself on the world’s biggest platform.
Jack Hughes of the United States reacts after getting his gold medal after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
That puck he buried is now making noise beyond the rink. SCP Auctions experts told TMZ Sports that if the game-used piece ever hits the open market, it could fetch up to $1 million.
For Team USA, that puck carries the weight of a milestone they’ve been waiting on since 1980.
There is no word yet on whether it’ll ever go up for auction, but the fact that it’s valued that high speaks to the magnitude of what Hughes’ goal meant for the USA’s Olympic legacy.
Jack Hughes of the United States celebrates after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Right after the 2–1 overtime win over Canada, the puck nearly vanished in the chaos. Jack Hughes had already launched his stick and gloves into the air before his teammates buried him in celebration, and somewhere in that pile, the puck disappeared.
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For a moment, nobody seemed to know where it went. The scramble did not drag on long, though. The International Ice Hockey Federation tracked it down quickly, secured it, and cataloged it shortly after the final horn.
The Hockey Hall of Fame now has it in their possession and plans to put it on display in Toronto in the coming days.
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