Overview
- T.J. Hughes chose Colorado on Saturday, signing a one-year entry-level NHL contract that starts in 2026–27.
- He will play now on a professional tryout with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, a short-term deal that lets him join games without a full AHL contract.
- Hughes, 24, captained Michigan this season and posted 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points in 40 games as a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
- The undrafted forward drew reported interest from several teams, including Toronto and Edmonton, before the Avalanche landed him.
- Colorado did not disclose financial terms, and the signing fits its recent pattern of adding mature college free agents to build depth.