Jack Hughes Earns Third Straight King Clancy Nomination as New Jersey Devils Continue to Define Leadership On and Off the Ice

The New Jersey Devils are once again placing one of their brightest stars at the center of the National Hockey League’s most meaningful honor, as Jack Hughes has been officially named the franchise’s nominee for the 2025–26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It marks the third consecutive year that Hughes has received this distinction from the organization, reinforcing not only his elite performance on the ice but also his growing influence as one of the most impactful young leaders in professional sports today.

Within the evolving landscape of hockey in New Jersey, where the sport continues to expand its reach across communities and generations, Hughes represents a modern blueprint for what a franchise cornerstone can be. His nomination signals far more than statistical excellence. It reflects a sustained commitment to leadership, accessibility, and community-driven impact that aligns directly with the broader mission of the Devils organization and the continued growth of the game throughout the state, as consistently highlighted across Explore New Jersey’s hockey coverage.

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy remains one of the NHL’s most respected individual honors, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on and off the ice while making a meaningful humanitarian contribution to his community. Each of the league’s 32 teams selects a single nominee, with the final recipient chosen by a committee led by Commissioner Gary Bettman alongside former winners of the award. The recognition carries both symbolic and tangible impact, including a $25,000 charitable donation directed by the winning player and the potential for additional funding to support team-driven community initiatives.

For Hughes, the nomination arrives during another standout season in which he continues to drive the Devils’ offensive identity. As the team leader in points and assists during the 2025–26 campaign, he has reaffirmed his role as one of the league’s most dynamic centers. Yet it is his work beyond the rink that has elevated his profile into the conversation for one of hockey’s most meaningful honors.

At the center of that effort is “Pucks & Pages,” a multi-year literacy initiative launched alongside his brother Luke Hughes. Designed to promote reading, leadership, and personal development among young people in New Jersey, the program reflects a deeply personal commitment rooted in the Hughes family’s own experiences. Inspired by a competitive reading challenge with their brother Quinn Hughes, Jack turned a personal milestone into a community-wide movement, reportedly reading 50 books in a single season before expanding the concept into a structured outreach program.

Through partnerships with organizations such as JAG Physical Therapy and Hockey in New Jersey, the initiative provides curated reading selections to children across the state, including the program’s early focus on “Fast Pitch” by Nic Stone. The program is built around engagement and reward, with participants earning signed certificates and opportunities to attend Devils games at Prudential Center, where they can take part in post-game book club sessions with the Hughes brothers. The result is a program that bridges education and sport in a way that feels authentic, accessible, and scalable.

Hughes’ involvement does not stop there. His role as an ambassador for Hockey in New Jersey has helped expand access to the sport in urban communities, providing equipment and structured opportunities for young players who might otherwise never step onto the ice. His consistent presence at the Ironbound Rink in Newark, along with visits to local hospitals and support for organizations such as the Jersey Girls Hockey Club and the Devils Youth Foundation, demonstrates a level of engagement that extends well beyond scheduled appearances. It reflects a genuine investment in the people and communities that define New Jersey’s hockey culture.

This sustained commitment is precisely what the King Clancy Memorial Trophy is designed to recognize. While Hughes’ on-ice production continues to place him among the league’s elite, his off-ice contributions position him as a leader in a broader sense—one who understands the platform he holds and actively uses it to create lasting impact.

Across the NHL, this year’s slate of nominees underscores the league-wide emphasis on community engagement and leadership. Among the notable names selected by their respective teams are Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, Adam Fox of the New York Rangers, John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens, and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks. Each nominee represents a unique approach to leadership within their market, yet Hughes’ continued recognition by the Devils highlights a consistency that is difficult to overlook.

The full list of nominees, officially announced on April 10, 2026, reflects all 32 franchises and reinforces the league’s commitment to honoring players who extend their influence beyond the game itself. From established veterans to emerging stars, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy field represents a cross-section of the NHL’s most community-driven figures.

As the selection process moves forward, a committee led by Commissioner Bettman will narrow the field to three finalists before ultimately naming the winner at the NHL Awards later this year. While the outcome remains to be determined, Hughes’ repeated nomination places him firmly within the league’s upper tier of candidates, not only for his performance but for the sustained and measurable impact of his initiatives.

For New Jersey, the significance of this moment extends beyond individual recognition. It reinforces the Devils’ identity as an organization committed to leadership, development, and community integration. In a state where hockey continues to expand its footprint, figures like Hughes play a critical role in shaping the next generation of players and fans alike.

The continued elevation of programs like Pucks & Pages, combined with Hughes’ visible and ongoing community presence, signals a broader shift in how professional athletes engage with their audiences. It is no longer enough to excel within the confines of the rink. Today’s most impactful players understand the importance of connection, accessibility, and purpose.

Jack Hughes is not simply meeting that standard. He is helping to redefine it.

Full 2025-26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy Nominees. On April 10, 2026, the NHL officially announced all 32 team nominees.