One of the most notable names that will be hitting the free agent market is a standout from the University of Michigan.
TJ Hughes, the captain of the Wolverines, will be eligible to sign with NHL clubs once his season ends. Michigan is in the Frozen Four this season. So, it may be a little while before Hughes becomes available. But when he does, about a dozen teams will be vying to sign him.
Despite the attention on Hughes, the 24-year-old went undrafted. He honed his skills in the NCAA, earning a Hobey Baker nomination this year as the NCAA’s top player.
Regardless of whether he wins or not, numerous teams will be looking to sign him. Among them, the Colorado Avalanche could be in the mix, as insider Jeff Marek noted.Â
Hughes is a center, with scouts believing he could become a top-six NHL forward. The ceiling is quite high on him, though no one is calling for him to become the next Nathan MacKinnon.
That said, his age would allow him to join the NHL seemingly right away. There’s a chance he might start next season in the AHL, but the expectation is that he could compete for an NHL role as soon as next season.
For Colorado, there’s actually no rush for Hughes to make the team next season. The club is so deep that there really wouldn’t be a spot for him unless he moves to the wing.
Why Hughes could choose Avalanche over other teams
Several teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs are believed to be in the mix. But the Avalanche could have a unique shot at landing Hughes. Players with his ceiling and skill level choose organizations and coaches that can help them develop their skills. Beyond having an opportunity to play right away, Hughes would be interested in getting a solid shot at a long-term fit.
That’s what the Avalanche can offer. Hughes is a center, but with no real spots for him down the middle, the club would have to shift him to the wing. That’s fine as most up-and-coming NHL centers typically start on the wing and gradually move into a role down the middle.
Plus, you have to think that the opportunity to play with superstars like MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Martin Necas, Brock Nelson, and being around leaders like Brent Burns and Gabriel Landeskog may be too much to pass up.
Ultimately, the Avalanche would do well to sign Hughes. The club is bereft of solid prospects. There will be some eventual roster churn, and Hughes would be a great piece who could gradually move into a more prominent role in the years to come.