Devils' Jack Hughes Confronts ESPN Analyst Over 'Plastic Cutlery' Joke
Hughes expresses displeasure with a mid-game comment referencing his past injury.
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes called out ESPN analyst A.J. Mleczko during a live broadcast on Thursday, after she made a joke about his previous finger injury. The awkward exchange occurred during the first intermission of the Devils' season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Mleczko, a former Olympic hockey player, attempted to lighten the mood by referencing the freak accident that led to Hughes undergoing surgery last season. "Well, it’s great to see you healthy. Let’s wrap you in bubble wrap and use plastic cutlery this year. That sound good?" she asked.
Hughes, however, did not find the humor in the comment, especially given the context of the game. "I mean, I think that’s a weird joke mid-game," he responded before skating away from the interview.
The injury in question occurred during a team dinner, reportedly involving a cut from glass, which resulted in finger surgery and an 18-game absence for Hughes during the 2025-26 season. Prior to the injury, Hughes had been performing well, with 10 goals and 20 points in his first 17 games.
Following Hughes' reaction, Mleczko acknowledged the situation, stating, "No sense of humor here in a big game, but I appreciate his time and he had a good start here this season."
Earlier in the year, Hughes gained national recognition for scoring the game-winning goal in the Olympic gold medal game against Canada, securing the United States' first men's hockey gold since 1980. On Thursday night, he again proved clutch, scoring the overtime winner in the Devils' 3-2 victory over the Flyers to open their season.