The Colorado Avalanche played their last home game of the preseason on Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets. Rookie T.J. Hughes was the player of the game with a hat trick as he stated his case for a roster spot. The Avs had their usual trouble on the power play, but on even-strength, they outplayed the Jets. It took a while for the Avs to get their legs going, but once they did, they couldn’t stop. The Avs took an easy 5–2 victory away as they will head on the road Saturday.

Hughes states his case

If you’ve followed this page since T.J. Hughes was signed back in April, you know how high we are on him. Friday night against the Jets marked Hughes’ first encounter with genuine NHL talent. And he showed everyone what he was capable of in the second period alone. It started off with a pass to Jaden Schwartz in front of the net for a redirected goal. Then he had two goals in only one minute and 11 seconds late in the period. The first goal he was led by Nazem Kadri down the slot for an easy shot. It was the second goal that was impressive. Hughes walked down the boards and then took a backhand shot that hit the short side. Hughes hit his final goal into an empty-net to give him a hat trick and solidify his case even more.

His three-point night puts him up to two goals and two assists during the preseason. Now the debate starts: do the Avs keep him on the roster?

Schwartz arrives in style

Schwartz wasted no time getting comfortable with his new club in Colorado. After having no points in the first preseason game against the Utah Mammoth, Schwartz had three on Friday. He looked so comfortable with the team that by the second period; he was crashing the net. Hughes would assist on Schwartz’s first goal in an Avalanche sweater early in the second as he redirected the shot into the five-hole of Stuart Skinner. Schwartz paid Hughes back by assisting on two out of three of Hughes’ goals later in the game. If Hughes stays with the Avs, Schwartz could be a good option as a linemate in the regular season. They had great chemistry, and Schwartz could be a great mentor to the rookie.

Aamodt brings the ammo

Wyatt Aamodt may not have had any points, but he stood out in a good way. He has been a second-pair or first-pair defenseman for the Colorado Eagles for a couple of years now. He plays no-nonsense defense and sticks to his position. Aamodt is willing to sacrifice his body for a block (this is why he lost five teeth last year) and not complain. On Friday, Aamodt had 17:01 of ice time, with 2:13 of it on the penalty kill. He did not allow any goals against and had a pair of shots on goal. He even had a tremendous hit to take the man off the puck. Aamodt may not get the call, but he sure played with heart, and that is all a fan can ask for.

Up Next

The Avalanche will travel to Salt Lake City for their final preseason game of the year against the Utah Mammoth. Puck drop will be at 3 p.m. MT with no planned television broadcast by the Avs.