The Flyers should definitely keep an eye on both T.J. Hughes and Owen Michaels as potential undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings from the NCAA ranks—they’re both intriguing college players who could add depth or upside to Philly’s prospect pool or bottom-six forward group.
T.J. Hughes
T.J. Hughes (Michigan Wolverines, senior captain) is a 24-year-old Canadian forward (born Nov 2001, 6’0, ~185 lbs, right-shot) who’s been a standout producer in the Big Ten. He’s consistently put up strong numbers over four seasons, often leading or co-leading Michigan in scoring, and he’s been highlighted as one of the top undrafted college free agents available in recent rankings.
Hughes is a smart, detail-oriented center/forward with good playmaking, faceoff ability, and leadership—he’s the Captain of a top-ranked team. As an undrafted guy returning for his senior year, he’s likely to be a hot commodity when his NCAA eligibility wraps up. Teams like the New York Rangers and others have shown interest, via developmental camps in the past, and he’s viewed as NHL-ready in terms of hockey sense.
Owen Michaels
Owen Michaels (Western Michigan Broncos) is a 23-year-old American forward (born May 2002, 6’2, ~185 lbs, right-shot) who had a massive breakout, including being named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 NCAA Frozen Four after helping WMU win the national championship. He stepped up big in high-leverage moments (goals in the semis and final), showed strong two-way play, faceoff wins, and scoring touch—putting up solid point totals in his junior year and earning captaincy for 2025-26.
Michaels is from the Detroit area, which could appeal to Flyers fans, and his playoff heroics make him a compelling story for a pro deal.Both are older college prospects (seniors/juniors turning pro), so they’re more “ready now” types rather than long-term projects—think potential AHL starters who could push for NHL bottom-six roles with their size, skill, and experience.
The Flyers have a history of dipping into the college UDFA market successfully, and with their ongoing rebuild/focus on adding competitive depth, signing one (or both, if available) as entry-level contracts could be a low-risk, high-reward move. Hughes might have the edge as a pure producer and Captain of a powerhouse program, while Michaels brings that championship pedigree and physical edge.
Either way, yeah—Philly should absolutely try to sign one if they’re hitting free agency soon!
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