NHL Rumors: TJ Hughes, Predators, Canadiens, Flames and Red Wings

TJ Hughes Generating Widespread Interest

College free agent forward TJ Hughes is currently a hot commodity in the NHL. Reports indicate that all 32 teams are showing significant interest, with several clubs, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, actively trying to gain an advantage in securing his services.

Nashville Predators Pursuing Ryker Lee for ELC

Ryker Lee, the Nashville Predators' first-round pick in the 2025 draft, has concluded his college season, recording 15 goals and 15 assists in 35 games. Nashville previously attempted to sign him after last year's draft, but Lee chose to attend Michigan State. He is now eligible to sign an entry-level contract with the Predators.

Montreal Canadiens' Michael Hage Eligible for Contract After Frozen Four

For the Montreal Canadiens, prospect Michael Hage will become eligible to sign an entry-level contract on April 11th. This date marks the conclusion of the Frozen Four tournament in Las Vegas, which runs from April 9th to 11th.

Calgary Flames' Plans for Ethan Wyttenbach and Abram Wiebe

The Calgary Flames are reportedly leaning towards allowing Ethan Wyttenbach of Quinnipiac to remain in college for the current year rather than signing him. Separately, another Flames prospect, Abram Wiebe, will be eligible to sign an entry-level contract starting April 11th, following his participation in the Frozen Four tournament.

Detroit Red Wings' Prospects Trey Augustine and Max Plante

The Detroit Red Wings are looking to sign two of their drafted prospects once their respective college seasons end: goaltender Trey Augustine from Michigan State and forward Max Plante from Minnesota-Duluth. It was previously understood that the Red Wings had an entry-level contract offer prepared for Augustine. Update: Trey Augustine has since signed an Amateur Tryout Offer (ATO) with the Grand Rapids Griffins and is slated to begin a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings starting in the 2026-27 season.

Augustine was drafted 41st overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Plante was also a second-round selection, 47th overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft.