5 Notable Teams in the Running for Free Agent Hobey Baker Favorite TJ Hughes

University of Michigan forward TJ Hughes

TJ Hughes is one of the biggest names in college hockey this season. And he just happens to be a free agent. He's led the University of Michigan to the Frozen Four this coming weekend, for a chance at the national championship. Hughes was also named one of the three Hobey Hat Trick finalists, for a chance to be named the Hobey Baker Award winner as the top NCAA player of the year.

Needless to say, there are plenty of NHL teams interested in signing the Michigan captain, nearly the entire league, to be honest. There have been a handful of teams, however, regularly mentioned as being legitimate top Hughes suitors. Jeff Marek and David Pagnotta listed them by name on The Sheet this past weekend.

Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver Canucks
Montréal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Colorado Avalanche

"He's being sold on all 30 markets, and which one he's going to choose, that's what you have to evaluate," added Pagnotta. "Everybody wants to get a hold of this kid, because of what he's capable of. And, he's 24, he can slot in... immediately at his age. And that is ridiculously attractive for all of these teams."

Hughes ready to step right into an NHL job once he's signed

Imagine being able to step in and play right away with a Connor McDavid, or a Nathan MacKinnon, or an Auston Matthews.

Check out this pass from TJ Hughes #HughesForHobey pic.twitter.com/6aUQrGBVRM
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) March 22, 2026

Hughes is a late-bloomer, and has led Michigan in scoring the past two seasons. Last year, he 'bet on himself' and turned down NHL offers to return for his senior year with the Wolverines, and he's broken out big-time. The 6-foot center had 56 points in 39 games this season, a 1.44 points per game average. In his four years at Michigan, he also has a 56.3% success rate on faceoffs.

Taking into account his defensive acumen as well, "Hughes has established himself as one of the most complete players available outside the NHL," wrote fellow insider Marco D'Amico in rg.org.

Hughes joins an illustrious list of Michigan Hobey Baker finalists over the past decade, including Zach Hyman, Kyle Connor, Quinn Hughes, Matty Beniers, Luke Hughes and Adam Fantilli.