As the Minnesota Wild head to Newark to battle the New Jersey Devils in tonight’s marquee matchup, much of the hockey world’s attention is also turning north — toward Edmonton — where a fresh report has sparked major buzz. According to top insiders, the Edmonton Oilers are actively scouting University of Michigan’s star center, T.J. Hughes, with serious interest in bringing him into the fold once his collegiate career wraps up.
This revelation came just hours before tonight’s Devils–Wild clash, when Oilers general manager Stan Bowman addressed the media regarding the organization’s long-term depth and future plans at center ice. Bowman didn’t name names, but the timing of his comments — and the follow-up report from trusted insider Bob Stauffer — all but confirmed Edmonton’s growing interest in the talented Wolverine forward.
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A Proven Collegiate Performer
T.J. Hughes, currently in his senior year with the University of Michigan Wolverines, has built an impressive résumé over four NCAA seasons. Last year, Hughes tallied 15 goals and 23 assists in just 36 games, showcasing a strong two-way presence and elite playmaking skills. In the 2023–24 season, he registered 19 goals and 19 assists across 41 appearances, proving his consistency as a top-six center.
What’s particularly intriguing for NHL scouts — and clearly for Edmonton — is how Hughes has managed to shine without the elite supporting cast Michigan boasted in recent years. Gone are names like Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, yet Hughes has kept the Wolverines competitive and dangerous offensively. His maturity, on-ice intelligence, and leadership have made him a cornerstone in Michigan’s push for another national title.
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Hughes’ Commitment to Growth and Education
Despite significant NHL interest after last season, Hughes made the unexpected decision to return to Michigan for his senior year — a move that speaks volumes about his priorities.
> “I think it was best for me to come back another year and to graduate, and just have another year to get better,” Hughes told The Michigan Daily. “Talking to the coaches and what we’re building here got me so excited. 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.”
That statement has earned him admiration from fans, coaches, and scouts alike. For the Oilers — an organization looking to add both skill and character to its pipeline — Hughes’ dedication to finishing his education and chasing collective success makes him an ideal fit.
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Expert Analysis: “He’s the Real Deal”
On Daily Faceoff LIVE, draft expert Steven Ellis joined hosts Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk to break down Hughes’ pro potential and why he could be one of the most coveted undrafted free agents of 2025.
> “T.J. Hughes out of the University of Michigan — this guy was one that a lot of people expected to be one of the top free agents last year,” Ellis said. “He’s been very productive at Michigan. He’s doing it without Adam Fantilli or Kent Johnson to rely on, like other Wolverines in past years. He’s had to do a lot of the work himself. Very good on the power play, very good in open space. I have to imagine there are a lot of teams excited about him.”
Those comments seem to echo exactly what the Oilers are looking for: a forward who can drive offense independently, read the ice intelligently, and adapt to pro-level systems quickly.
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Oilers’ Long-Term Vision
Under new GM Stan Bowman, Edmonton’s front office has shifted toward balancing its star-heavy core with smart, development-driven acquisitions. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl anchoring the lineup, the Oilers have been actively retooling their depth chart to ensure sustainable success. Bringing in a young, NHL-ready center like Hughes could fill a vital gap down the middle, offering secondary scoring and versatility.
> “We’re always looking for players who have the drive to get better, players who compete every night,” Bowman said when asked about the team’s collegiate scouting activity. “We believe in adding people who fit our values — commitment, work ethic, and team-first mentality.”
While he avoided direct mention of Hughes, the message was clear: Edmonton is hunting for players who mirror the same attributes the Michigan standout represents.
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Why It Matters — Especially Tonight
The Wild vs. Devils matchup at the Prudential Center may not directly involve Edmonton, but the ripple effects of such off-ice news are being felt league-wide. Teams in both conferences are eyeing college prospects and undrafted talent ahead of next spring’s signing window. A player like Hughes — poised, proven, and motivated — could become a difference-maker for whichever organization secures his signature.
For fans tuning into tonight’s game, the betting lines show New Jersey as slight home favorites (-135) over the visiting Minnesota Wild (+115). The Devils will look to capitalize on their speed and offensive pressure, led by Jack Hughes — ironically, T.J. Hughes’ namesake (no relation). The Wild, meanwhile, will rely on Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek to counterattack and push the tempo.
The over/under is set at 6.5 goals, and given both teams’ offensive styles, bettors might expect a fast-paced affair with plenty of scoring chances.
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Final Thoughts
While tonight’s on-ice action between the Wild and Devils promises fireworks, the real storyline simmering beneath the surface might be Edmonton’s quiet pursuit of one of the NCAA’s brightest stars.
T.J. Hughes embodies everything the modern NHL team craves — speed, creativity, and a relentless work ethic — wrapped in a player who values education, leadership, and growth. His future may not be officially tied to Edmonton just yet, but the Oilers’ interest speaks volumes about where they’re heading as a franchise.
If Hughes can cap his Michigan career with a championship run and carry that same drive into the professional ranks, the Oilers might just have found their next hidden gem — a player ready to complement the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl and help fuel another golden era in Alberta hockey.
For now, all eyes remain on both rinks: the bright lights of Newark for Wild–Devils, and the bright future unfolding in Ann Arbor — where a potential NHL star is sharpening his game, waiting for his call.
