How T.J. Hughes went from afterthought to top college free agent for NHL teams

LAS VEGAS — “None.”That’s how much interest former Brooks Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou said T.J. Hughes garnered from NHL clubs in his three seasons in the AJHL from age 17-20.Four years later, inside the Presidio Ballroom at Las Vegas’ Park MGM hotel and casino on Friday night, Hughes was a nominee for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in Division I NCAA men’s hockey after he finished second in the country in scoring with 57 points in 40 games.Advertisement