The Toronto Maple Leafs have been a landing spot for some of the best undrafted NCAA free agents as of late, and they could be getting the very best.
According to RG's Marco D'Amico, the Leafs are one of the main contenders to sign the University of Michigan's T.J. Hughes. The 24-year-old, 6-foot center has been heralded as one of the top available players for some time now and is now wrapping up his college career for good.
"Michigan captain TJ Hughes has emerged as one of the most sought-after college free agents, with sources indicating a double-digit number of teams are expected to pursue him once his season comes to an end. Among those believed to be in the mix are the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens," writes D'Amico.
Leafs named as potential landing spot for NCAA star T.J. Hughes
Hughes has been one of the most productive players in all of college hockey during his time as a Wolverine. No active player in the country has more points in their career than the center from Hamilton, Ont. and he is going to be capping off his senior year with a monster year. So far, he has scored 21 goals and 56 points in just 39 games for Michigan.
The Wolverines are set to face the University of Denver in the Frozen Four semifinal on April 9 for a shot to play for the national championship on April 11. So, the earliest anyone could expect Hughes to make his decision is somewhere around April 10, but considering just how many teams are vying for his services, it could be much, much longer until he makes his decision.
But, whoever does sign him, is getting one of the best talents they can get as a free player.
Scouting report praises T.J. Hughes as top available player
On the Elite Prospects 2026 NCAA Free Agency Guide, Hughes is ranked as their No. 1 player, leading the entire class and by all accounts, looks like an automatic player to make a difference.
"The definition of an inside player, Hughes gets inside off the rush, from the cycle, and finds a way to always be open in the most dangerous spots of the rink. He tips down point shots, spins off checks to drag the puck to the slot, and just when it seems like he’s going to shoot, he finds a teammate backdoor," Elite Prospect's Mitchell Brown wrote.
"Over the years, Hughes has steadily rounded out his game, becoming a stellar faceoff taker, strong defensive player, and a versatile transition threat. He’s become more physical, too, a side of his game that will likely become even more valuable at the next level."
Now, there should be slightly tempered expectations because this is an undrafted NCAA free agent and the best one that the Leafs have ever signed is still Tyler Bozak, with an argument to be made for the recently departed Bobby McMann, as well.
Regardless, Hughes could come back to his home province and almost instantly get in the third-line center role for the foreseeable future and with a potential to maybe even play higher up the lineup next season on the wing, depending on who is still on the roster by that time.
It's a big opportunity and maybe the best chance to truly take advantage of his skillset in the NHL.