Team USA Players Embrace Gold Medal Impact Across NHL

Team USA hockey players are carrying the impact of their Olympic gold medal into the 2026-27 NHL season, with Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski and teammates gaining wider recognition after winning the title in Milan and preparing for league action.

According to NHL.com, the gold medal changed how players were viewed outside hockey, creating new public attention and opportunities. Most Team USA members returned to NHL competition during Frozen Frenzy, when all 32 teams played on the same night.

Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils center who scored the golden goal against Team Canada, said the championship expanded his experiences beyond hockey.

"It does a lot for you," said Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils center.

Hughes also explained how the Olympics reached a broader audience than the NHL and changed the significance of the achievement for the players.

"I don't know how many people watch the NHL, but everyone watches the Olympics," said Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils center.

The Devils entered Frozen Frenzy after defeating the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Oct. 10. According to ESPN, Nico Hischier scored twice and added an assist, while Jesper Bratt recorded a goal and an assist in the victory.

Several Team USA players described the gold medal as a lasting connection with fans. Jake Guentzel said friends and family were most interested in seeing the medal after the Olympic victory.

"This whole summer was, 'Can I see the medal?'" said Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning forward.

Brady Tkachuk said the attention from supporters created memorable moments while acknowledging the difference between athletes and military service members.

"Thank you for what you did for this country," said Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators forward.

Tkachuk added that he felt honored by the response from fans who followed the Olympic run.

"you know, the real heroes are the ones serving and protecting us." said Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators forward.

He described the experience as unusual compared with previous summers because more people recognized him and shared memories of watching the tournament.

"It was the greatest honor just to be able to represent the U.S. and all the people back home watching," said Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators forward.

Matt Boldy, a Minnesota Wild forward, said the victory affected daily life as more people followed his career after the Olympics.

"It's definitely been a little different, the everyday life," said Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild forward.

Zach Werenski said the recognition continued in his hometown, where conversations shifted toward the Olympic achievement after the NHL season resumed.

"It has in terms of the party and all that, but when I walk around my hometown now, before no one would ever recognize me and now all anyone wants to do is talk about the gold medal. It's pretty crazy and it's a good thing. It's something I'll always talk about with anyone." said Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman.

Werenski also said the Olympic stage strengthened his belief that he could perform in major games against elite competition.

"We haven't had much playoff success here in Columbus recently and I haven't been in those big games before, or in a long time. I think the 4 Nations (Face-Off) was good for me to kind of reassure myself that I can play at this level, I can play in this atmosphere, but then going to the Olympics in that setting on that stage, gold-medal game, Canada, overtime, I felt comfortable and that was very reassuring to me." said Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman.

Werenski said he wants to continue playing in high-pressure situations after gaining confidence from the Olympic tournament.

"That's where I want to be as a player, is in those moments. I want the puck on my stick. I want to make plays.

I want to be out there. I haven't done it enough. So, to be in that moment and have the feeling I had as a player, have a ton of confidence against all the best players in the world, it was a good feeling." said Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman.