Hughes (foot) will make his NHL debut Thursday night against the visiting Kings, Farhan Lalji of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nabbed with the seventh overall pick of the 2018 draft, Hughes is sure to get a standing ovation when introduced at Rogers Arena. The University of Michigan standout -- who played with Patrick Kane for Team USA at the World Championship and ultimately fashioned 62 points (10 goals, 52 assists) over 69 collegiate contests -- worked hard to overcome a foot injury that very well could have derailed his chances of debuting with the Canucks this season. Check the DFS player pool to see whether Hughes is available for the taking right out of the gate. He's a supremely talented offensive defenseman with wheels, and his inexperience is bound to be reflected in his virtual price tag.

Hughes (foot) could potentially make his NHL debut during Thursday's matchup with the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Canucks fans have had to anxiously wait for Hughes to suit up for the blue and green. His debut was postponed due to a foot injury, but his time is coming. If the highly touted defender isn't medically cleared to play Thursday, his next opportunity would be Saturday versus Dallas.

Hughes has avoided structural damage in his foot and is expected to begin skating soon, Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie blueliner has not made an appearance for the Canucks since rounding out his campaign for with the University of Michigan in college hockey, but it sounds like he may debut for the club before the season concludes. Hughes -- picked seventh overall in the 2018 NHL entry draft -- should eventually provide Vancouver with another offensive threat along the blue line, coming off a point-per-game collegiate season.

Hughes (foot) will be reevaluated Wednesday, Irfaan Gaffar of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Selected seventh overall in the 2018 draft, Canucks fans have been clamoring to see Hughes at the top level, especially with Vancouver about to be eliminated from playoff contention. However, the fear is that the foot injury will spoil such an opportunity for the University of Michigan product. We'll get a better read on his near-term fantasy prospects once the team discloses a clear prognosis.

Hughes is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and will be reevaluated in a week, Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

This update comes courtesy of head coach Travis Green. Canucks fans will have to wait a little longer before they get to see the seventh-overall selection from the 2018 draft make his NHL debut, as the team has little reasons to take any chances with Hughes' health.

Hughes signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Canucks on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes wasted little time in taking the next step in his hockey career after his season at the University of Michigan concluded. The seventh overall selection from the 2018 draft could join the club as early as Wednesday against the Rangers. Dynasty leaguers need to act fast.

Hughes (foot) is in the lineup for the University of Michigan's game against the University of Minnesota on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes was listed as questionable after blocking a shot in Friday's contest. This is a non-issue moving forward.

Hughes (foot) is day-to-day and questionable for the University of Michigan's game against the University of Minnesota on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes suffered the injury when blocking a shot in the third period of Michigan's 3-2 loss to Minnesota on Friday. X-rays were negative and the issue is considered minor. Even if he is forced to sit out on Saturday, Hughes should be back to full strength in short order. He is fully expected to sign with the Canucks once Michigan's season comes to a close.

Hughes has a few options to explore when his NCAA season concludes, Ryan Biech of the Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The most likely scenario is that Hughes will join the Canucks, but he could go to the AHL or even wait until the summer to decide. Much of this depends on how far Michigan advances, as his season could be over as early as March 9. There is also the Seattle expansion draft to consider, as Hughes would currently be exempt, but could become eligible should he play 11 games. Playoff games do count toward this total, and the Canucks are in the playoff race, and could use Hughes to secure a playoff berth. This could affect his usage when the time comes.

Hughes -- who was Vancouver's seventh overall pick in last month's draft -- declared Saturday that he will return to the University of Michigan next season, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes will turn 19 years old in October, and while he has immense upside, the American defenseman should benefit from more seasoning at the collegiate level. Plus, he seems to have a chip on his shoulder based on how his 2017-18 campaign with the Wolverines ended. "My heart's obviously still at Michigan," Hughes said. "I was heartbroken when we lost to Notre Dame in the Frozen Four last year. I've never really been on a team that cares so much about each other, and I think that's a big reason why I'm coming back, because I love my teammates." A tremendous playmaker with soft hands, Hughes deposited five goals to complement 24 assists and a plus-14 rating over 37 games in his first Big-10 season.