Led by goals of longevity, T.J. Hughes isn’t ready to leave Michigan yet

Junior forward T.J. Hughes is an enigma in today’s landscape of collegiate hockey. 

At the conclusion of each hockey season, a plethora of players often sign professional contracts, foregoing the remainder of their collegiate eligibility to play at the next level. Last season, the Michigan hockey team saw NHL entry–level contract signings from five of its six top-point producers, leaving Hughes as the Wolverines’ lone top-point producer to return.

Hughes’ announcement of his return last year wasn’t a complete shock despite his 48-point campaign, due to his status as an undrafted sophomore. However, after leading Michigan in both goals and assists this past season, there was more uncertainty about whether he would come back for a final season or sign a professional contract. But Hughes ultimately decided on the latter, announcing that he would play his senior season as a Wolverine. 

“I chose to come back just because of what we’re building here and the trajectory of my career,” Hughes said Monday. “I think it was best for me to come back another year and to graduate, and just have another year to get better. Talking to the coaches and what we’re building here got me so excited, and it’s hard to leave a place like this, honestly. It’s the best university in the world, and it just goes by so fast. So I want another year, and I wanted a kick at a national championship.”

Before even stepping on campus, Hughes set a goal with his family: to graduate with a degree from Michigan. With full faith in the Wolverines’ staff and excitement about the incoming roster, Hughes is ready to do just that, while also continuing his development and increasing his leadership on and off the ice. 

Hughes is in a unique position, as his status as a free agent and undrafted player gives him more autonomy in his professional path. The past few weeks since Michigan’s season ended at the hands of Penn State have been a whirlwind for Hughes, as he’s seen five teammates enter the transfer portal and sign professional contracts. While he could have been enticed to jump ship and pursue professional opportunities, as he confirmed many teams have contacted him, Hughes remains steadfast in his decision to stay in Ann Arbor. 

By returning for a senior season, Hughes will be one of the oldest players on the roster, turning 24 years old mid-season. He’s always been on the older side of his class, coming in with a dominant true-freshmen class as a 20-year-old, but his age hasn’t made him feel like he needs to rush his career. Instead, it’s helped him recognize that there isn’t much difference between going into professional hockey now or next year. In staying with the Wolverines, he can continue to refine his game before advancing on to the next level. 

“A lot of guys leave early, great for them, they’re unbelievable players and that’s just the nature of Big Ten hockey and other prestigious schools,” Hughes said. “Ultimately, I wanted to be a Michigan man. … Just (take) another year to get better, to take steps as a hockey player. I want to have a long career in professional hockey. And I feel like between 23 or 24, it’s not that big of a deal in terms of age. … So I think coming back another year is just gonna make (me) better.”

In addition to staying true to his goal to graduate, Hughes recognizes that this past season ended on a sour note, and he doesn’t want to end his collegiate career on a missed NCAA Tournament. By watching the Frozen Four from Ann Arbor this year instead of competing in it — as he did his freshman and sophomore seasons — Hughes doesn’t feel his Michigan journey is over. And he knows his experiences both playing in and missing the tournament can fire up his teammates to make another NCAA Tournament run. 

With the number of players entering the transfer portal, graduates departing the program and junior forward Jackson Hallum signing his entry-level contract, nearly half of next year’s roster will be comprised of new faces. So in an era of uncertainty and change for the Wolverines, a veteran leader like Hughes, who is committed to the progression and development of his game and Michigan hockey, will be vital for the Wolverines to start the 2025-26 season on the right path.

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