The Colorado Avalanche will have a rookie in the lineup on opening night.
Forward T.J. Hughes, a highly touted undrafted college free agent out of Michigan, will start the season with the Avs, head coach Jared Bednar confirmed on Sunday. Hughes, 24, signed a one-year entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season following his four years with the Wolverines.
Hughes dressed in three preseason games. In the first one, he recorded an assist before adding a hat trick and an assist in his second outing. The native of Hamilton, Ontario has played both center and wing, although his time on the wing has been more effective.
Bednar also confirmed that Hughes will play on the top power-play unit in Wednesday’s season opener. He practiced there on Sunday alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Gabe Landeskog, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar.
More to come.