Colorado Avalanche roster includes T. J. Hughes for season opener

T. J. Hughes has secured a spot on the Colorado Avalanche roster for the upcoming NHL season following a standout preseason performance. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that the 24-year-old forward will make his NHL debut this Wednesday in the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings.

Hughes, a former Hobey Baker finalist from the University of Michigan, impressed during training camp by recording five points in three preseason games, including a hat trick against the Winnipeg Jets. Bednar noted that Hughes is an elite player in certain areas and possesses excellent game intelligence.

In addition to making the regular roster, Hughes is expected to play on the top power-play unit alongside stars such as Nathan MacKinnon. His inclusion brings the Avalanche roster to 22 players as the team manages various injuries to players like Trent Miner, Taylor Makar, and Georgii Merkulov.