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1 hour ago
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The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have much else to accomplish this season.
But could they sign T.J. Hughes to a free agent contract? That would seem to be a win.
Hughes is a superstar from the University of Michigan who was just ousted from the Frozen Four. He was a finalist for the NCAA's Hobey Baker Award for the top player in the country.
And he's a free agent. He was never drafted in his eligible years while playing in the AJHL. Before Michigan, he wasn't viewed as a pro prospect.
Clearly, he grew into one.
This season, Hughes was Michigan's captain and put up 57 points in 40 games.
He's 24 years old, so older than most guys who would be coming to the NHL for the first time, but also with a lot of hockey experience that could let him hit the ground running.
Hughes is from Hamilton, Ontario, which could help the cause of the Leafs (or another team in Canada).
He's a right-shot forward with a strong two-way game. He'd be ready to be in the lineup for the last few games, and then to start next season.
"Why he matters to Toronto is simple," writes NHL Trade Talk in a new article. "The Maple Leafs could use forwards who are ready now. Their depth chart isn’t exactly overflowing with NHL-ready middle-six options, and NCAA free agents are a cheap, low-risk way to everyday NHL minutes. Hughes fits the bill: middle-six minutes right away, penalty kill capable, maybe even some secondary scoring."
Because Hughes is the rare undrafted free agent with his level of production, he'll be a hot commodity, and he'll get to choose his destination. It's up to him to pick the spot he feels he can thrive best.
It certainly makes sense for the Maple Leafs to pursue him. He'd be a solid, safe addition.
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