T.J. Hughes

June 2026 – On a run to the Calder Cup semifinals, Hughes finished 3rd in scoring for the Eagles with 4 goals and 10 assists in 17 games, done as a second-line center. He was able to follow the play well and be in position for loose pucks, and his shot volume was high despite not having a rocket by any means. His line gave up as many goals as it scored but he still showed well enough at both ends of the ice to have a realistic shot at the NHL lineup out of training camp. It may not be at center given the team’s depth, but a middle-six winger role isn’t out of the question. Hayden Soboleski

April 2026 – Colorado has signed TJ Hughes to a 1-year ELC beginning in 2026-27, and an AHL PTO for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. The NCAA Hobey Baker finalist just put up 22 goals and 57 points in 40 games as captain of the Michigan Wolverines and was one of the top undrafted UFAs available. He has been around other top prospects and had opportunities to earn contracts in the past, previously attending NHL development camps for New York and Tampa Bay, but has stayed loyal to Michigan and got to pick his next destination as a result. Hayden Soboleski

Hughes has been a point producer for his entire career, being above or near the point per game mark since his NCAA freshman year and owning the AJHL Brooks Bandits record for most goals in a season (where Cale Makar holds several records). This is helped by him being a high-volume shooter, averaging over 3 SOG per game as a senior. At 24 years old he lacks the runway and pedigree of some NHL prospects, but in a sparce Colorado cupboard he leaps to the top of the prospect list right away and will be fighting for an NHL spot out of training camp this September. His effort level is higher than his footspeed or agility but he can forecheck, back check, and be in the right spots to utilize his playmaking skills. He wins more faceoffs than he loses, and despite his scoring history he has a reputation as a responsible two-way forward, but he did not see significant PK time which may limit his TOI upside if he becomes a bottom-six player.