A big Olympic performance could get Jack Hughes back on track for the Devils

The New Jersey Devils were without Jack Hughes at the end of their pre-Olympic schedule, but he is good to go for Team USA in Milano Cortina. Right now, he would say it’s been another rough year. However, this is his chance to turn the entire narrative around. 

For one, Hughes finds himself in a different position than he was one year ago at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He isn’t a lock to get quality ice time right off the hop. He has suffered significant injuries since that tournament, which have derailed his stock relative to some of his teammates. 

At least at the start, Hughes will be on the third or fourth line with no power-play time. We've seen points where he is a top-three player on this roster, but it must be earned again. No job or status is safe when you're a pro of this caliber. Team USA is one of the hardest hockey teams in the world to make. It's even harder to be trusted in high-end situations once you do make it.

Early in the tournament, Hughes must make an impact. Scoring goals and creating offense using his skills, speed, and tenacity will allow him to earn more ice time as the event goes along. If he plays to the best of his ability, he'll be back in the top six and on the power play in no time.

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan wants the entire lineup playing "winning hockey." It isn't all about creating offense, even if that is where a player like Jack Hughes makes his money. He is a takeaway machine, has the speed to defend well, and knows how to take advantage of opposition mistakes.

Unlike the 4-Nations Face-Off, Jack Hughes will be able to play with his brother Quinn, who is a defenseman. Quinn Hughes was hurt last year, but he's back and better than ever at this stage. If the two get on the ice together, whether it's at even strength or with a man advantage, it will be interesting to see how they fare.

Earlier in the season, the Devils failed to acquire the eldest Hughes brother in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks. The Minnesota Wild landed him instead. Since then, New Jersey has fallen off a cliff. A healthy version of Jack Hughes is a key to the Devils winning again.

This is Jack's chance to get his game going again following his injury troubles. If these games see him start to dominate again, he will come back to the NHL at a high level again. There is enough time for New Jersey's season to be salvaged, but they are on a time crunch.