T.J. Hughes has to be one of the most highly touted prospects in the Colorado Avalanche system right now. And we think he is well aware of it. Hughes has been hard at work before the season starts for the Avalanche, spending hours each day on the ice. The former University of Michigan captain is showing a work ethic that is not typical of most rookies. He got a taste of the pros with the Colorado Eagles and seems to want more.

The expectation

At the end of July, we wrote we were expecting Hughes to be the 13th forward for the Avalanche. We have the numbers to back our theory. In two regular-season games with the Eagles, Hughes had a goal and an assist. He finished the season in the playoffs with four goals and 10 assists in 17 games. This was besides his team-leading 57 points with the Wolverines. Hughes was an absolute difference-maker for both teams he played for last season.

What has Hughes been doing?

Hughes appeared for the Avalanche at the Upper Deck Rookie Showcase at the end of July. Each team usually sends its most anticipated rookie to represent it on a card. Ever since then, Hughes has been in Centennial at the practice facility. Every day, he is the first on the ice and the last off it. Hughes is picking the brains of the skills coach and players like Gabriel Landeskog. There have been several days where he spent almost three hours on the ice working on drills.

It’s not as if he’s standing back and watching. Hughes has been actively involved in drills after watching one time. He is showing a willingness to put in the extra work. After getting that taste of a professional goal in April, we can only imagine he wants to hear 18,000 screaming fans screaming along with a goal horn.