Jack Hughes hopes to play on Matthews' wing for USA

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes has his hopes set on playing on Auston Matthews' line for Team USA at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

Hughes is a natural center, but he would be willing to move to the wing to accommodate a chance at joining forces with the Toronto Maple Leafs captain.

"Just seeing him and Mitch Marner do their thing," Hughes told NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "It'd be fun to play with a guy that has scored (69) goals in the NHL, so even if it's a few games, that's something I'm definitely looking forward to ... the possibility of that."

Matthews and Marner typically run Toronto's top line, and they have been one of the league's most prolific duos over their time together. Marner will represent Canada at the event.

Hughes was chosen for the U.S. roster Wednesday. Matthews was one of the country's first six selections made in the summer. The Leafs' sniper won his third "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer last season.

Hughes was hindered by injuries in 2023-24 but has bounced back with 33 points in 28 games this campaign. The 4 Nations tournament will be his first time representing USA since the 2019 Worlds.

"When you look at the roster, I kind of assume I'll play the wing and that's really exciting," he said. "With the level of players there, whether it's center or wing, or whatever it is, I'm excited to play with some guys that usually we see on a nightly basis. You watch them and you're like, 'Wow, they're great players,' so for me to get the chance to play with them, that's pretty exciting."

The 4 Nations Face-Off, which also features Sweden and Finland, begins Feb. 12.