T.J. Hughes Earns First NHL Point in Avalanche Win

Colorado Avalanche forward T.J. Hughes recorded his first NHL point with an assist in a 7-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. The 24-year-old rookie has established himself in a third-line role while receiving opportunities on Colorado's top power-play unit, according to CBS Sports and Mile High Sticking.

Hughes finished the game with six shots on goal and a plus-2 rating, according to CBS Sports. Across his first four NHL games, he had accumulated 11 shots on goal, five hits and a plus-1 rating, demonstrating consistent involvement since earning a place on the roster.

Colorado's coaching staff has also entrusted Hughes with power-play responsibilities. Mile High Sticking reported that he averaged 3:20 of power-play ice time per game, ranking fourth on the team in that category.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar praised Hughes' adaptability, passing and decision-making after the victory over Calgary.

"Hughes has fit in all kinds of ways for us, including on the top power play. Smart guy, doesn’t throw the puck away. Really good passer." Jared Bednar said.

Bednar's assessment reflects the responsibilities Hughes has received despite being an undrafted free agent. His placement alongside Colorado's leading offensive players has given him opportunities to contribute while adjusting to the pace and demands of the NHL.

Hughes joined the Avalanche organization in April 2026 after spending four seasons at the University of Michigan. According to Sports Illustrated, he finished his college career with 179 points, including 69 goals, and earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors during his senior season.

He also made an immediate impression in the professional ranks, recording 14 points in 17 playoff games with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's American Hockey League affiliate, last spring. His performance during training camp subsequently helped him secure a place with Colorado for the 2026-27 season.

Hughes made his NHL debut on Sept. 30, 2026, against the Los Angeles Kings in an 8-4 Colorado victory at Ball Arena, according to Sports Illustrated. He recorded two shots on goal in 13:35 of ice time and received an opportunity on the top power-play unit alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Martin Necas and Gabriel Landeskog.

Although Hughes did not record a point in his debut and finished that game with a minus-3 rating, he created scoring opportunities and competed for loose pucks in front of the net. One sequence helped Colorado earn a two-man advantage, which MacKinnon converted into a goal 23 seconds into the second period.

MacKinnon welcomed the rookie's performance after his first NHL appearance, noting that the transition requires time and adjustment.

"He played well," MacKinnon said. "He had a couple good looks. It's really hard to play your first game, especially sometimes getting a hat trick early. There's a lot of pressure, a lot of hype, so I think he'll continue to settle in."

Hughes' first NHL point against Calgary marked another step after his debut and four-game adjustment period. His continued presence on the power play gives Colorado another option as the team works to improve an area that fell short of expectations last season, according to Mile High Sticking.