Jack Hughes criticized reporter’s joke after NHL game
3 october 2026 в 05:37
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes found himself in the spotlight after an awkward interview with ESPN reporter AJ Mleczko during the season opener on October 1. During the conversation, Mleczko made a remark about Hughes' unusual injury, which caused him to miss 18 games last season after reportedly cutting his hand with a knife during a team dinner.
«Glad to see you healthy», - Mleczko said, adding, «How about wrapping you in bubble wrap and using plastic utensils this year? What do you think of that idea?» To this, Hughes responded with a stone-faced reply, «I think that’s a weird joke. Important game». After Hughes left, Mleczko remarked, «But there’s no sense of humor in an important game. But I appreciate his time».
In this game, the Devils won against the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime with a score of 3−2, and Hughes scored the decisive goal. Hughes' reaction to Mleczko’s comment drew criticism from some viewers, who compared it to his laughter when President Donald Trump said he would likely be «impeached» if he didn’t invite the U.S. women’s hockey team to the White House after their victory at the 2026 Olympics.
Some social media users noted that Hughes laughed at Trump’s joke but couldn’t take a light comment about his injury. Hughes later explained that when Trump was speaking, he was in a celebratory atmosphere and couldn’t foresee how it would be perceived. He emphasized that he and his team have great respect for the women’s team and that they are proud that both teams won gold at the Olympics.
«Glad to see you healthy», - Mleczko said, adding, «How about wrapping you in bubble wrap and using plastic utensils this year? What do you think of that idea?» To this, Hughes responded with a stone-faced reply, «I think that’s a weird joke. Important game». After Hughes left, Mleczko remarked, «But there’s no sense of humor in an important game. But I appreciate his time».
In this game, the Devils won against the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime with a score of 3−2, and Hughes scored the decisive goal. Hughes' reaction to Mleczko’s comment drew criticism from some viewers, who compared it to his laughter when President Donald Trump said he would likely be «impeached» if he didn’t invite the U.S. women’s hockey team to the White House after their victory at the 2026 Olympics.
Some social media users noted that Hughes laughed at Trump’s joke but couldn’t take a light comment about his injury. Hughes later explained that when Trump was speaking, he was in a celebratory atmosphere and couldn’t foresee how it would be perceived. He emphasized that he and his team have great respect for the women’s team and that they are proud that both teams won gold at the Olympics.
© Puhova Marina
