ANN ARBOR >> T.J. Hughes, Michigan hockey’s leading scorer this season, said the outlook for the program next year and fulfilling personal goals are among the reasons why he is returning for his senior year.

Hughes said Monday during a video conference with reporters that missing out on the NCAA Tournament this year was among the motivating reasons for his decision.

The program reached the Frozen Four each of his first two seasons and had not missed an NCAA Tournament since 2019.

“Ultimately, I chose to come back just because of what we’re building here,” Hughes said.

“And the trajectory of my career, I thought it was best for me to come back for another year and graduate and just have another year to get better.

“What we’re building here got me so excited, and it’s hard to leave a place like this, honestly.

“It’s the best university in the world. It goes by so fast, though.

“I want another year. I want a kick at a national championship.”

As a junior, Hughes scored 15 goals, led the team with 38 points and also held the nation’s longest point streak this season at 15 games after a slow start.

Hughes, a Hamilton, Ontario native, ranked fourth in the Big Ten in scoring in conference games this season (30 points). In 116 career games at Michigan, Hughes has 122 points (1.05 per game), with 47 goals and 75 assists. He ranks 57th in all-time scoring at Michigan.

He said his parents encouraged him to get his Michigan degree, and the coaching staff gave him plenty of reason to believe the Wolverines will be a contender next season. Michigan announced Sunday the addition of Henry Mews, a Canadian Hockey League defenseman from the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League.

With all these things on the table, Hughes said it made his decision fairly easy. He also plans to take on an even bigger leaderhship role.

“Not being in the (NCAA) Tournament just isn’t Michigan’s standard,” Hughes said.

“It felt weird being out so early, so that was a huge part of coming back. We’re building something really special here.

“I think we’re gonna be a hell of a team.

“Just felt weird not being in it this year. It’s a big part of me coming back is having another kick at it. Just being so close my freshman and sophomore year just makes you want it even more.

“Another kick at the can, excited for it.”