Nathan MacKinnon, Jared Bednar Praise T.J. Hughes' Rapid Progress With Avalanche

DENVER —   T.J. Hughes is quickly showing that he belongs in the NHL.

The Colorado Avalanche rookie is still learning the ropes, but his ability to make adjustments on the fly is already catching the attention of some big names in the locker room.

Hughes put that growth on display Friday night, helping Colorado snap a two-game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena. On the Avalanche’s second goal, he showed off his patience and puck-handling ability, holding onto the puck just long enough to find Nazem Kadri in the low slot for a power-play goal.

It was the kind of play that makes you stop and appreciate how quickly Hughes is getting comfortable at this level. And according to head coach Jared Bednar, there’s a lot more to his progress than natural talent.

Bednar said he met with Hughes’ line Friday morning to review video from their previous three games, highlighting five or six areas where they needed to improve. Hughes wasted little time putting those lessons into practice.

“In the first period alone, I noticed four or five of those six things that he immediately did better,” Bednar said.

Bednar called Hughes’ first period “phenomenal,” praising his patience, puck decisions and ability to take what he learned in the morning meeting and apply it during the game.

For a young player adjusting to the speed of the NHL, that kind of response is encouraging. It also gives Bednar confidence that Hughes has plenty of room to keep growing.

Nathan MacKinnon has taken notice, too. The Avalanche star praised Hughes’ work ethic and willingness to learn, describing him as a player who genuinely loves the game and wants to get better.

“He’s definitely a student of the game,” MacKinnon said. “He’s always open to learn and talk hockey. He loves it.”

Coming into the NHL, Hughes was always going to need time to adjust. The game is faster, the space is tighter and decisions have to come almost instantly. But his willingness to listen and make changes has helped him find his footing.

Friday’s performance was another step in the right direction. Hughes still has plenty to learn, but when both MacKinnon and Bednar are highlighting his approach to the game, it’s clear his progress is making an impression in Colorado.

And if he keeps learning at this rate, the Avalanche have plenty of reasons to be excited about what comes next.