Jack Hughes clarifies stance about gold-medal-winning puck; Sidney Crosby addresses controversy

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes previously made it known that he felt it is "bull---t" that the Hockey Hall of Fame has no intention to give him back the game-winning puck he scored in the gold-medal contest of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics men's hockey tournament back in February. 

Following the Devils' 6-3 win over the rival New York Rangers on Wednesday night, Hughes insisted that he is "honored that the puck is" where it currently resides. 

Jack Hughes on puck controversy: "It is what it is"

"It’s like the most special place in hockey," Hughes said about the Hall of Fame, per Peter Baugh of The Athletic. "I’m honored that it’s there, but obviously I think things were taken crazy. That’s the way I felt. I didn’t know where the puck was. It is what it is." 

According to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN, the International Ice Hockey Federation is "responsible for collecting, authenticating and preserving items from the Olympics and world championship tournaments." The IIHF ultimately received the puck used for Hughes' "golden goal" and donated it to the Hockey Hall of Fame. 

As it pertains to significant events that occur during NHL games, players typically are allowed to hold onto artifacts. However, some have donated such items to be showcased at the Hall of Fame. 

On Wednesday night, Hughes suggested he won't be reaching out to the Hall and is instead moving on. 

"I’ve been playing hockey," Hughes added during his comments. "That’s where my head’s at."

Sidney Crosby discusses the "golden puck" controversy

Pittsburgh Penguins superstar captain Sidney Crosby knows a bit about what Hughes experienced in February, as Crosby famously scored the "golden goal" to end the men's Olympic hockey tournament in 2010. On Wednesday, he spoke with The Athletic about Hughes' reaction to the whereabouts of his "golden puck." 

"I didn’t even think about it that way, to be honest with you," Crosby explained. "I was just happy that I scored the goal. I was happy that the puck was going to the Hall of Fame. I didn’t even think about it that way." 

Perhaps Hughes will one day feel differently about this matter if he follows in Crosby's footsteps and hoists the Stanley Cup during his career.