Michigan Hockey Star T.J. Hughes Signs with NHL's Colorado Avalanche

The 2026 Hobey Baker Award finalist joins the Stanley Cup-winning franchise.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with the player's form broken down into overlapping, angular planes of navy blue, forest green, and bright white.The Colorado Avalanche's signing of Michigan hockey star T.J. Hughes adds another talented young player to their prospect pool as they aim to maintain their status as an NHL powerhouse.Today in Detroit

T.J. Hughes, the standout forward for the University of Michigan hockey team, has signed an entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL. Hughes, a 2026 Hobey Baker Award finalist, will join the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Why it matters

The Avalanche have been one of the NHL's elite teams over the past five seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. Hughes' signing adds another talented young player to their prospect pool as they look to maintain their status as a perennial contender.

The details

Hughes, 24, led the Wolverines with 57 points in 40 games during the 2025-26 season. He helped Michigan reach the Frozen Four semifinals, where they lost to Denver in double overtime. Hughes was named to the All-American West first team and was one of three finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, given to the top NCAA hockey player.

  • On April 9, 2026, Michigan lost to Denver 4-3 in double overtime in the national semifinal of the 2026 NCAA Hockey Tournament.
  • On April 10, 2026, Hughes was named to the All-American West first team and was one of three finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.

The players

T.J. Hughes

A 24-year-old forward who played four seasons at the University of Michigan, leading the team in points each of the last two years.

Colorado Avalanche

An NHL franchise that has been one of the league's most accomplished teams over the past five seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Colorado Eagles

The AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, where Hughes will play for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan hockey's All-American has landed with an NHL franchise.”

— Christian Romo, Author

What’s next

Hughes will join the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The takeaway

The signing of T.J. Hughes, a standout player from the University of Michigan, adds another talented young prospect to the Colorado Avalanche's organization as they look to maintain their status as one of the NHL's elite teams.