Avalanche’s T.J. Hughes Among NHLPA Rookie Showcase Participants

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Michigan forward T.J. Hughes (13) shoots the puck against Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks (31) during the second period of the Frozen Four semifinal at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 9, 2026USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Colorado Avalanche forward T.J. Hughes is among the NHL rookies attending the 2026 NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Chicago. The annual event began Tuesday and runs through Thursday.

Now in its 16th year, the showcase is being held at the Blackhawks Ice Center, presented by Fifth Third Bank. It’s the first time the event has been hosted there after spending the previous four years at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. It’s also taking place earlier than usual, as the showcase is typically held in September ahead of training camp.

The event brings together many of the league’s top rookies and prospects for official photo and video shoots that will be used for Upper Deck trading cards, memorabilia, and other promotional materials.

Beyond the media sessions, the NHLPA also introduces players to the business side of professional hockey, including how they can use their name, image, and likeness to build their personal brand and connect with fans.

For Hughes, the showcase will mark his first time wearing an Avalanche jersey on the ice. It’ll also reveal the sweater number he’ll wear during his rookie season.

The 24-year-old signed with Colorado as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Michigan in April after finishing his collegiate career. He appeared in two regular-season games and 17 playoff contests for the Colorado Eagles.

Hughes wore No. 13 with both Michigan and the Eagles — a number that became available after the Avalanche traded Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this offseason. Whether he’ll keep that same number in Colorado should be revealed during the showcase.

Here’s the prospects who are scheduled to attend #NHL Rookie Showcase.

Confirmed #Isles Eiserman and Aitcheson are there.

Not sure on the others. pic.twitter.com/vMF1lsaBi2

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) July 28, 2026

The post Avalanche’s T.J. Hughes Among NHLPA Rookie Showcase Participants appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

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