Michigan hockey star T.J. Hughes signs with NHL's Colorado Avalanche

Michigan hockey's All-American has landed with an NHL franchise. The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of former Michigan forward T. J.

Hughes to a one-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season. For now, Hughes is heading to the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, for the rest of the 2025-26 season. Hughes, 24, had a team-leading 57 points in 40 games for the Wolverines, who lost to Denver 4-3 in double overtime in the national semifinal of the 2026 NCAA Hockey Tournament on Thursday, April 9.

Hughes was named to the All-American West first team on Friday, April 10, and was one of three finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, given to Minnesota Duluth sophomore Max Plante . MORE: Michigan seniors leave program better off despite Frozen Four loss Hughes played at Michigan for four seasons from 2022-26 and led the team in points each of the last two seasons. The Wolverines went to the Frozen four in three of Hughes' four campaigns, but lost in the semifinal each time.

The Avalanche have been one of the NHL's most accomplished franchises of the 2020s, amassing 100-point campaigns in each of the last five seasons and winning the 2022 Stanley Cup Final in six games over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Avalanche feature two other former Wolverines on their roster, forward Gavin Brindley and defender Nick Blankenburg. Brindley and Hughes were on the Wolverines' roster from 2022-24 before Brindley jumped to the pros.