Breaking: T.J. Hughes Makes Avalanche’s Opening Night Roster

Rookie forward T.J. Hughes has earned a spot on the Colorado Avalanche's opening night roster for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed on Sunday that the 24-year-old undrafted college free agent from the University of Michigan will start the year with the team. Hughes signed a one-year entry-level contract with Colorado following four seasons with the Wolverines.

Hughes secured his spot after an impressive preseason campaign in which he recorded a hat trick and two assists across three exhibition games. Bednar also announced that Hughes will feature on Colorado's top power-play unit for Wednesday's season opener, skating alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Gabe Landeskog, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar.