Jack Hughes Teeth: How a Bloody Smile Became the Symbol of USA's Olympic Gold
Jack Hughes lost his teeth — and then he won Olympic gold. The New Jersey Devils superstar center became the most talked-about athlete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics not just for scoring the game-winning goal against Canada, but for doing it with a bloody, gap-toothed grin that instantly went viral. The image of Jack Hughes and his missing teeth celebrating one of the biggest moments in U.S. hockey history captured the internet and defined the spirit of Team USA's triumph.
How Jack Hughes Lost His Teeth at the Olympics
Hughes took a high-stick to the face from Florida Panthers and Team Canada forward Sam Bennett in the third period, resulting in some lost and chipped teeth. Rather than leave the ice, Hughes played through the pain and blood — and delivered.
"I looked on the ice and saw my teeth," Jack Hughes said. "I was like, 'Here we go again.'" It was not his first rodeo. He had a tooth knocked out during an NHL playoff game in 2023 as well.
The Gold-Medal Moment That Went Viral
The 24-year-old center scored 1:41 into overtime off a feed from Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski to give the U.S. its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since 1980.
After Hughes scored the final goal, cameras were all over him during the celebration, showing the damage done to his smile. Hughes was then interviewed by NBC's Kathryn Tappen after the game, giving the public a clear view of his gap in teeth. The photos spread instantly across social media, with fans and media alike transfixed by his toothless grin and gold medal.
What the Dentist Says About Jack Hughes' Teeth Damage
Medical experts quickly weighed in on the extent of the damage to Jack Hughes' teeth.
Dr. Jason Auerbach, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the New Jersey Devils, said Hughes appears to have fractured his left front tooth, possibly shoved another out of place, and may have even rattled his upper jaw.
| Injury Assessment | Details |
|---|---|
| Left front tooth | Fractured |
| Adjacent tooth | Possibly displaced |
| Upper jaw | Possible impact trauma |
| Immediate treatment | Temporary fix within 48 hours |
| Full recovery timeline | Weeks, longer if surgery needed |
The doc noted Hughes is likely staring down serious restorative work, starting with a quick temporary fix while swelling peaks in the first 48 hours, with a full smile comeback potentially taking weeks — longer if surgery is required.
Jack Hughes Laughs It Off With a Classic Quote
True to form, Jack Hughes brushed off concern about his teeth with characteristic grit. During a postgame interview, Hughes alluded to losing his teeth during the game while making a candid remark about why he loves America.
His teammate Matt Boldy put it best. "Who cares at this point, to be honest? I think more people are looking at his medal than his teeth. I'm sure he'll be OK," Boldy said.
USA head coach Mike Sullivan praised Hughes effusively. "Jack had a terrific tournament. From the first game on, the goals he scored were big-time goals. He's a high-stakes player. Tonight was a perfect example of it."
Jack Hughes' Olympic Stats and What's Next
Hughes finished the tournament with four goals and three assists for seven points through six games at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Devils host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night, as Hughes reunites with his Olympic teammate Tage Thompson. Before that, he'll need to make a very important stop — at the dentist. The gap in Jack Hughes' teeth may be temporary, but the gold medal, and the legend behind it, is forever.
