After a great showing at training camp and in the preseason, T.J. Hughes is scheduled to make his NHL debut on Wednesday when the Avalanche hosts the Los Angeles Kings to begin its 2026-27 regular-season schedule.
Hughes, an undrafted free agent whom the Avalanche signed in April, is not only scheduled to play, but it slated to be on Colorado’s top power-play unit alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Martin Necas and Cale Makar.
Before signing with the Avalanche’s organization, Hughes had an incredible four-year career at the University of Michigan, finishing his time in Ann Arbor third on the all-time program points (179) and assists (110) lists while ranking fourth all-time in goals (69). In his final year at Michigan, Hughes posted 57 points (22g/35a) in 40 games and was named the Big Ten Conference’s Player of the Year in addition to leading the Wolverines to the Frozen Four.
Hughes began his professional career with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, in April 2026, and made an immediate impact. He recorded two points (1g/1a) in two regular-season games before posting 14 points (4g/10a) in 17 playoff contests on the Eagles’ run to the Western Conference Finals.
After a strong preseason performance that included a hat trick, Hughes earned his place on the Avalanche’s opening-night roster. Hughes said his parents were the first people he called to tell the news and that they will be in attendance on Wednesday.
“It was great,” Hughes said about the call. “I was really excited to tell them, and they're going to be able to make it tomorrow, which is very exciting. They were very excited.”
What made Hughes stand out during training camp? Avalanche Head Coach Jared Bednar said he has an elite brain and is a great passer. At the beginning of training camp, Bednar said he loves Hughes' drive and the way he was pushing to make the team.
“He’s been an active participant in his own development,” Bednar said.
Hughes said that part of that development has been learning from veteran Avalanche players.
“I think when you surround yourself with the best, and guys who show up to the rink every day and want to get better, even though they're some of the best players in the world, that's when I can learn the most,” Hughes said. “And that's when I can pick these guys' brains and be on the ice with them and practice with them. I mean, you're practicing with some of the best players, and you're getting to learn from them. You just see what they do to have success, and see their habits, see their routines and that's my favorite part of it so far, just surrounding myself with some of the best and being able to learn off them and play with them.”
One of those players he’s learning from is Landeskog, who said Hughes has made the most of the opportunity, and could tell after a short time talking to him that he has a good head on his shoulders.
“Those are guys that are easy to root for,” Landeskog said. “And [he] just wants to learn, wants to get better and we're just we're just lucky and happy to have him.”
Hughes has earned his way onto the Avalanche roster, and on Wednesday, he’ll have the chance to showcase his abilities in an NHL regular-season game for the first time.
