The Vancouver Canucks have re-upped with defenceman Filip Hronek.
The two sides agreed to an eight-year, $58-million contract on Tuesday, general manager Patrik Allvin announced. Hronek, 26, was a restricted free agent.
“Filip has fit in seamlessly on our blueline, giving us stability and strength on the right side,” Allvin said in a statement. “His ability to skate, defend and create offence is exactly what you want from a top pairing defenceman. This season he has shown all of us his desire to compete and a willingness to be a leader on this hockey team. We look forward to seeing him continue to help elevate our group and for him to grow both on and off the ice.”
Hronek, whose contract will have an average annual value of $7.25 million, had a career-high 48 points (five goals, 43 assists in 81 games) for the Canucks last season. He was held to one goal and one assist in 13 playoff games.
The Canucks acquired Hronek in a March 2023 trade with the Detroit Red Wings, picking up the blue-liner and a 2023 fourth-round pick in exchange for a 2023 conditional first-round pick (New York Islanders) and Vancouver’s own 2023 second-round pick.
The six-foot Czech native has 35 goals and 170 assists for 205 points in 390 career regular-season games with the Canucks and Red Wings.
The Red Wings selected Hronek in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Hronek has represented Czechia four times at the world championship and twice at the world juniors. He was named top defenceman at the 2019 world championship and helped Czechia capture bronze at the 2022 worlds.
The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant move in securing the future of their defense by signing Filip Hronek to an eight-year, $58 million contract. The 24-year-old defenseman has been a key player for the Detroit Red Wings over the past few seasons and is expected to bring his strong defensive skills and offensive prowess to the Canucks.
Hronek, a native of the Czech Republic, was drafted by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft. Since then, he has steadily developed into a top defenseman in the league, known for his ability to move the puck effectively and contribute offensively. In the 2020-2021 season, he recorded 26 points in 56 games, showcasing his versatility and skill on the ice.
The Canucks have been looking to bolster their defense and Hronek’s signing is a step in the right direction. With his youth and potential, he is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s blue line for years to come. His contract also reflects the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster and contending for a playoff spot in the near future.
Hronek’s signing is not only a win for the Canucks but also for the player himself. Securing a long-term contract with a competitive team like Vancouver ensures stability and financial security for him and his family. It also shows that the team values his contributions and believes in his potential to help them succeed in the coming seasons.
Overall, Filip Hronek’s signing with the Vancouver Canucks is a positive development for both the player and the team. Fans can look forward to seeing him in action and making an impact on the ice as he continues to grow and develop as a top defenseman in the NHL.