Jack Hughes won’t be taking home the puck from his historic overtime goal that secured Team USA’s first men’s hockey Olympic gold since 1980.
The New Jersey Devils star called the Hockey Hall of Fame’s possession of the puck “bulls---,” saying he wanted it for his father, a devoted collector. But officials confirmed the artifact was formally donated by the International Ice Hockey Federation after the February 22, 2026, final in Milan.
“Unfortunately, in the easiest words, it was never Jack's puck to own,” said Philip Pritchard, the Hall’s vice president and curator. “It’s been donated to us now.”
Unlike in the NHL-where players often keep milestone pucks-in international tournaments like the Olympics, on-ice officials collect game artifacts for formal donation to the IIHF, which then transfers them to institutions like the Hall.
Megan Keller’s golden goal puck from three days earlier is also part of the Hall’s permanent collection. Hughes says he may still formally request the item, noting the Hall has returned memorabilia to players before.