What happened: Rookie forward T.J. Hughes recorded the first regular-season goal of his NHL career on Friday night. The milestone tally follows his preseason hat trick in late September and his official league debut on Oct. 2.

Why it matters: Getting on the scoresheet early in the 2026-27 regular season strengthens Hughes' case for a permanent spot in the lineup. Translating exhibition scoring touch into regular-season production is a key hurdle for first-year forwards competing for consistent ice time.

What to watch: Hughes will look to build on the milestone with expanded shifts as the early regular-season slate continues.