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The Canadiens face competition for Michael Hage’s signature
Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

We've been talking about TJ Hughes lately.

TJ Hughes is an NCAA player. He's Michael Hage's captain at Michigan and is about to sign his first pro contract with the team of his choice. He was never drafted.

He has made good progress in the college ranks.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

Hughes grew up as a Canadiens fan, as we've mentioned before. So it's reasonable to think that if (Kent) Hughes calls (TJ) Hughes, the younger one will answer.

I'm not saying he'll definitely sign with the team, but he'll answer the call.

And now, according to information from Marco D'Amico, who updated the Hughes file via an article on the RG Media platform, the Habs are indeed in the mix.

Other teams (more than a dozen) are reportedly in the mix, including Canadian clubs like the Oilers and the Maple Leafs.

The 24-year-old has tallied 56 points in 39 games this season. He plays center and is reliable on both sides of the ice, which is a major asset.

At his age, his entry-level contract would only be for one year, and all signs point to him not having to sign an amateur tryout contract in the AHL. Does that mean that, as soon as the Frozen Four is over, he'll head to the NHL?

If so, could that work against the Habs? After all, adding Michael Hage AND their captain in the middle of the playoffs would be quite a lot to handle under the current circumstances.

We'll keep an eye on the situation, in any case.


In brief

– Mitch Marner is making headlines again.

– Can the Habs win the Stanley Cup this year? [HF]

– Oh boy.

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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