Hughes played the previous three games after missing nearly a month due to a lower-body injury but will return to the sidelines. The 25-year-old Hughes has been having another season worthy of a Norris trophy, scoring 60 points (14G / 46A) in 50 games. That said, his inability to remain in the lineup lately causes notable concern for a Canucks team desperately trying to stay in the mix for a playoff spot.

Hughes was expected to be out after not taking part in line rushes during warmups, but it now appears he will play as Vancouver opts to dress seven defencemen. Hughes missed Vancouver's final four games before the break for the 4Nations Face-Off and has not played two straight since the NHL resumed it's activities, but will return on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.

Hughes missed Vancouver's final four games before the break for the 4Nations Face-Off and has not played two straight since the NHL resumed it's activities, but he could return on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.

Hughes missed Vancouver's final four games before the break for the 4Nations Face-Off and has not played two straight since the NHL resumed it's activities, but he will likely return on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.

Hughes did not play the final four games for the Canucks before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off due to a lower-body injury but was back at practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.

Hughes suffered a lower-body injury late in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars and has not played since. He will miss a third consecutive game on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games. Filip Hronek has been the quarterback on Vancouver's top powerplay unit while Hughes has been sidelined.

Hughes suffered a lower-body injury late in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars and has not played since. He will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.

Hughes has missed the previous four games due to an upper-body injury but will return to the lineup on Monday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 25-year-old Hughes is having another excellent season, scoring 42 points (8G / 34A) in 34 games. He was on a particularly strong stretch before his injury, with 22 points (4G / 18A) in his last 14 games.

Hughes has missed the previous four games due to an upper-body injury but could return to the lineup on Monday against the Montreal Canadiens. The 25-year-old Hughes is having another excellent season, scoring 42 points (8G / 34A) in 34 games. He was on a particularly strong stretch before his injury, with 22 points (4G / 18A) in his last 14 games.

Hughes' status for Monday's game against the Sharks was suddenly put in doubt when Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet announced he was a game-time decision just a little over two hours before puck drop. Thankfully for Canucks fans, Hughes took full part in warmups and appears to be good to go for Vancouver's final game before the holiday break.

With just over two hours until puck drop, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet announced his superstar defenceman was in danger of missing Monday's game against the Sharks. Tocchet also added that the injury just occurred in the Canucks game against the Senators on Saturday, and that Hughes will likely want to play through it, which suggests it's unlikely to be a long-term injury. We most likely won't have confirmation on Hughes' status until shortly before puck drop on Monday.

Hughes was sick for Wednesday's team practice but will play Thursday as planned vs. Chicago. The 23-year-old has seven goals, 66 assists, 146 SOG, 26 PIMs and a +14 plus/minus through 73 games this season.