Devils Jack Hughes Gets His Wish; Team USA 4 Nations Linemates Revealed

As of Monday, the shift goes from the New Jersey Devils to the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jack Hughes, representing Team USA, had one wish going into the world tournament. That wish was granted when he took the ice for his first practice with his temporary teammates.

Back when Jack Hughes was officially named to Team USA for the 4 Nations tournament, he explained his desire was to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs captain.

“I’d obviously love to play with Matthews,” Hughes revealed upon his nomination. “Just seeing him and [Mitch] Marner do their thing, it’d be fun to play with a guy that can score 70 goals in the NHL. It’d be pretty fun. So, even if it’s a few games, that’s something I’m definitely looking forward to, you know, the possibility.”

As he said he would, it’s evident Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan took that into account.

“For sure, I would definitely have discussions with players,” Sullivan explained to New Jersey Hockey Now. “And you know, I’ve always been a coach that that invites and encourages input from our players. And we will do that when we’re with this group also.”

At least for now, Hughes is lined up on Auston Matthews’ right wing, flanked by Jake Guentzel on the left, making up the second line for the red, white, and blue.

Hughes explained he was happy to shift to the wing in the case that he got to play on a line with Matthews.

As a result of Hughes’ improvement on the defensive side of the puck, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe explained he thinks Hughes is a good fit next to Matthews, comparing him to another Toronto star.

“Jack’s a very smart player. He’s got great stick, he’s got great instincts. I’ve come from a place where Mitch Marner has developed himself for being a top defensive player,” Keefe said, comparing Hughes to Marner unprompted. “I think they’ve got some similarities in terms of how they read the play and how they jump to space and how they take the puck off you. Ryan McGill believes in him. With the effort and the commitment that Jack is showing away from the puck at five on five, it gives you a reason to believe in him.”

Team USAs first game is on Thursday at the Bell Centre versus Team Finland. With such a short turnaround, it’s likely these are the line combinations that stick at 5-on-5.

There are three more days of practice ahead, but certainly, it’s an enticing sight to see Hughes—a bona fide playmaker—paired with two renowned finishers.

Team USA Lines

Forwards

Kyle Connor–Jack Eichel–Matthew Tkachuk

Jake Guentzel–Auston Matthews–Jack Hughes

Brady Tkachuk–J.T.Miller–MattBoldy

Brock Nelson–Vincent Trocheck–Dylan Larkin/Chris Kreider

Defense

Jaccob Slavin–Adam Fox

ZachWerenski–Charlie McAvoy

Noah Hanifin–BrockFaber

Jake Sanderson