Contrary to most NHL teams, the Edmonton Oilers aren’t exactly in need of high-end offensive help. With the heavy firepower already in place at the top, their list of needs differs somewhat from that of other organizations.

What they do need, however, is a reliable two-way contributor and someone capable of playing complementary minutes in the bottom half of the lineup. And if that player can chip in some secondary offence? Even better.

The NCAA free-agent market isn’t always the most direct path to immediate NHL impact, but this year, the Oilers may have a player who fits their needs perfectly.

According to The Sheet’s Jeff Marek, Edmonton has interest in University of Michigan forward T.J. Hughes, who has been highly sought after as a free agent for several years now.

At the collegiate level, Hughes has established himself as a highly productive forward, highlighted by a career year in his senior season. Whether that production translates immediately to the professional level remains to be seen, but the appeal lies in the details of his game.

Now 24, Hughes has officially hit........

© Oilers Nation