The Devils on Monday posted a photo celebrating their star, Jack Hughes, in his team USA uniform, alongside brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk in Milan where they will begin play in the Winter Olympics on Thursday.
The only problem? Jack’s brother, Quinn, was also in the photo. But he was cropped out of the version the Devils shared.
The altered image has taken social media by storm, with Devils fans — and NHL observers — puzzled about why they did and just how awkward the cropped photo is.
Earlier this season, the Devils were reportedly in trade talks with the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Quinn, who has expressed interest in playing with both of his younger brothers, Jack and Luke. But the Devils never got the deal done, Quinn was traded to the Minnesota Wild and the Devils season has fallen apart (they’ll return from the Olympic break 11 points out of a playoff spot).
Quinn will be an unrestricted free agent in 2028 if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Wild. Jack’s contract expires in 2030 and Luke signed a seven-year, $63 million deal with the Devils before this season.
Jack has missed time this season with two injuries (including the Devils’ final three games before the Olympic break). Luke missed the final two weeks before the break with a shoulder injury, but it expected to return when the team resumes play on Feb. 25.