The Vancouver Canucks made a significant move by extending defenseman Filip Hronek’s contract for eight years with an average annual value of $7.25 million. Hronek, who is 26 years old, was on track to become a restricted free agent later this month. The Canucks acquired the 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman from the Detroit Red Wings in a trade that involved several draft picks, including a first-round selection, in March.
During the last season, Hronek had an impressive performance by scoring a career-high 48 points, with five goals and 43 assists, in 81 regular-season games for the Canucks. Throughout his six-year career with both the Red Wings and the Canucks, he has accumulated 35 goals and 170 assists in 390 regular-season games. Additionally, he contributed two points in 13 playoff games for the Canucks this year.
Originally selected by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2016 draft, Hronek has proven to be a valuable asset for the Canucks. General manager Patrik Allvin expressed his excitement about the contract extension, highlighting Hronek’s seamless integration into the team’s defensive line. Allvin praised Hronek’s skills in skating, defending, and creating offense, stating that he embodies the qualities of a top pairing defenseman. He also commended Hronek’s competitive spirit and leadership qualities, emphasizing his importance to the team.
The extension of Hronek’s contract signifies the Canucks’ commitment to building a strong and competitive team for the future. By securing a key player like Hronek, the Canucks aim to enhance their defensive capabilities and solidify their position in the league. Fans can look forward to seeing Hronek’s continued growth and contributions to the team both on and off the ice in the upcoming seasons.