A star forward with a major contract extension looms as a key decision point for his team, with just one year remaining on a six-year, $47.1 million deal. The player, who joined the franchise in 2021, has already been eligible for a new long-term agreement but has yet to pursue one. With his current average annual value exceeding $7.8 million, the team now faces a critical choice on whether to retain him under similar terms or explore alternative arrangements. The outcome could reshape the roster’s financial and strategic direction moving forward.

Hughes has one year left on a six-year, $47.1 million contract ($7.85 million average annual value) that he signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 3, 2021. The 26-year-old has been eligible to sign ...