The Canadiens Should Sign T.J. Hughes

Now that Michigan’s season is over. T.J. Hughes is now a name that is circulating as a college free agent. He plays with Michael Hage, who could give the team a detailed scouting report and it would add to the teams’ center depth and that’s always a good thing. 

At 5 ‘11”, 185 pounds, Hughes is a sturdy player who can handle the rigors of professional hockey. He’s a two-way center who can skate and will lay the hit when necessary. All of these attributes make him a good AHL player and potential NHL player.

He was the team’s top scorer this year with 38 points, four points ahead of Hage. His 15 goals led the team this year and his 19 were third on the squad last year. Consistency is not an issue and he shows terrific discipline. In 34 games, he only committed six minor penalties and he drew six as well according to InStat. 

In the face-off dot, he was 53% this year. A very solid year for that. He had a 66% face-off percentage in his last game against Penn State. 

Hughes can get behind the defense. He’s not a burner but he can skate. He plays on the power play and penalty kill. On the power play he can make that quick pass or bury the wrist shot. Hughes has very good, fast hands.

These are the kinds of players that create depth. You would be getting a center who has a good chance of playing in the NHL someday. He would help Laval and he could be a very good player to ease Hage into the pro’s. To me, these are all good reasons to do this. Let’s see what happens.