Avalanche Will Debut New Power-Play Unit Wednesday
T.J. Hughes joins the top power-play unit for the Colorado Avalanche season opener at Ball Arena.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
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The Colorado Avalanche will feature a revised top power-play unit for their 2026-27 season opener on Wednesday. Twenty-four-year-old T.J. Hughes earned a roster spot after a strong performance in training camp.
Why it matters
The team overhauled the unit to address power-play struggles experienced during the previous season. The inclusion of Hughes is designed to add passing ability and a right-handed shooting threat.
The top power-play unit consists of 5 players, including T.J. Hughes, who is 24 years old. The organization evaluated specific metrics in Hughes, including his offensive IQ, passing skills, and right-handed shot.
The players
T.J. Hughes
The 24-year-old hockey player earned a spot on the Colorado Avalanche opening night roster.
Nathan MacKinnon
He is a central forward and star player for the Colorado Avalanche.
Cale Makar
He is an elite defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche known for his offensive contributions.
Gabriel Landeskog
He serves as the captain and a veteran forward for the Colorado Avalanche.
Martin Necas
He is an skilled forward now contributing to the Colorado Avalanche offensive depth.
The details
T.J. Hughes secured his position on the top unit following his play during training camp and exhibition games. He joins Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Martin Necas, and Gabriel Landeskog, while Valeri Nichushkin departed and Jaden Schwartz joined the broader roster.
Timeline
September 30, 2026, marks the Colorado Avalanche home season opener.
Season Trajectory
This roster shift aims to stabilize the team's offensive efficiency and secure a better standing in the competitive division. It represents a direct response to the metrics recorded during the 2025-26 Colorado Avalanche power-play performance statistics.
The primary consequence is the new deployment of the five-man unit during man-advantage situations starting Wednesday. The unit's success will dictate the team's ability to maintain pressure and improve scoring conversion rates this season.
The takeaway
The team will closely monitor the performance of this new group to determine if the changes effectively improve offensive output. Adapting early in the season is critical for establishing consistent scoring momentum.
Further reading
Find more coverage on team developments at the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mile High Sports.
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