Watch: Jack Hughes roasts Viktor Arvidsson in penalty box

Jack Hughes Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Devils’ Jack Hughes hilariously roasts Viktor Arvidsson in the penalty box

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/16/24

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes may be a prolific goal scorer, but he proved in Thursday night’s 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings that he’s also mastered the art of trash-talking.

The 22-year-old center verbally berated Kings forward Viktor Arvidsson as they both sat in the penalty box late in the second period after both were assessed minor penalties for an on-ice altercation.

Hughes was already on edge after taking an elbow to the head from Arvidsson moments prior, and once the two began exchanging words on their way to the penalty box, Hughes delivered a knockout blow when he hit Arvidsson with a “people pay to watch me play” line.

The full video of the exchange is below.

"People pay to watch me play"

Jack Hughes let the chirps fly at Viktor Arvidsson pic.twitter.com/qIwN5GXzV8
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 16, 2024

Hughes received a two-minute minor for roughing and Arvidsson was assessed a two-minute minor for elbowing. He told reporters after the game that he wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt Hughes but rather redirect him from the net.

“Obviously, it was a quick play,” Arvidsson said, via NHL.com’s Mike Morreale. “I tried to catch him; force him on his backhand, and fortunately (goaltender David) Rittich saved it. I got a chance right after. It was a bit back and forth in the second (period), which I didn't like.”

As both players exited the penalty box, Hughes got the puck and headed up-ice toward the Kings net on a breakaway. Arvidsson was right on his tail, and though Hughes fired off a shot, he was visibly upset that Arvidsson, who was draped over his back the entire time, wasn’t called for another penalty.

He broke his stick across the boards once he got back to the bench.

Hughes finished the game with an assist and six shots on goal across 21:21 of ice time. He led all Devils skaters in shots and played the second-most shifts of any forward (22). Conversely, Arvidsson had five shots in 15:43 of ice time but did not get on the score sheet.

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