As Jeff Marek recently highlighted on The Sheet with Jeff Marek there is growing attention on college free agents who could sign NHL contracts once their seasons at school wrap up, and two names that stood out in the discussion are T.J. Hughes of the University of Michigan and Owen Michaels of Western Michigan University.

Marek specifically pointed to Hughes as one of the more intriguing offensive talents in this year’s group and suggested he could draw interest from NHL teams looking for scoring ability from a college free agent.

T.J. Hughes has been a consistent producer for Michigan’s Wolverines. In his senior season, he has put together 19 goals and 50 points in 36 games, leading his team in offensive output and showing a mix of scoring and playmaking that could appeal to NHL clubs once he leaves school.

Teams like the Edmonton Oilers were recently reported to have scouted him in person, with Marek noting that Hughes stands out because he “scores,” a trait not always found in the college free agent pool. 

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Owen Michaels has also made a name for himself at Western Michigan. The forward’s sophomore season was a breakout year, posting 18 goals and 18 assists for 36 points in 42 games and playing a key role in his team’s deep NCAA tournament run, including scoring the double‑overtime winner in the Frozen Four semifinals and adding two goals in the championship game.

Michaels’ performance earned him Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and his blend of size, scoring touch, and big‑game experience makes him an attractive option for NHL teams once his collegiate season ends.

Both Hughes and Michaels exemplify why the college free agent market is worth watching this spring, with NHL teams expected to pursue players who can transition quickly to the professional level once their NCAA eligibility is complete.

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