Savage joined Rovers in January last season in a controversial move from Birmingham City.
The Wales international was out with a groin injury at the end of the season and also had a fall out with Wales boss John Toshack which resulted in Savage announcing his international retirement, only to offer his services again just a couple months later.
Hughes said: "I'm convinced our fans will see a different Robbie Savage this season.
"Sav has that ability to change the tempo and momentum of a game.
"He can sense when a game needs to be brought to life and he reacts to crowds, not in a bad way but in terms of sensing their anxiety or excitement.
"He taps into that and drags others along with him - both players and fans alike.
"He hasn't been able to do that since he's been here because of his injury, but I'm convinced we'll start to see him do that next season.
"No-one was more frustrated than Sav when he first came here beacause he's a high-energy player who wants to make an impact in every game he plays in."