T.J. Hughes’ hat trick helped Colorado beat Winnipeg 5-2 in preseason, with two goals coming 1:32 apart in the second period. It made the Avalanche’s final roster-spot battle with Gavin Brindley tougher; one preseason game remains, and no decision has been made.
Coach Jared Bednar said Hughes was involved in Colorado’s first three goals and praised his offensive instincts and playmaking. Captain Gabe Landeskog said Hughes had a strong camp and another good game, but cautioned that it was a small sample and the decision would depend on the coming days.
The Avalanche close preseason against the Utah Mammoth on Saturday at 3 p.m. Bednar said Hughes, Brindley, Taylor Makar and Ilya Nabokov, along with a select group who sat out against Winnipeg, would get ice time. That group could include Brent Burns, Josh Manson, Logan O’Connor and Nicolas Roy.
