Filip Hronek Signs Eight Year Extension With Canucks
Filip Hronek had a career year with the Vancouver Canucks, and cashed in as a result. The 26-year-old RFA is signing a massive eight year extension worth $58 million. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff confirmed the news of the big contract:
As the number two defenseman behind Quinn Hughes, the right-hander put up career highs in assists (43), points (48), and plus/minus (+33). While some fans called it an overpay, you must know the value that right-handed defenseman have in today’s NHL. They do not grow on trees and are a premium position to many. If not Vancouver, you could bet at least 5-8 other teams would be willing to offer the same contract to Hronek. Mind you he is entering his prime and if the cap ceiling continues to raise as expected, this deal should age fine.
He joined the Canucks in a trade with Detroit ahead of the 2023 Trade Deadline. The return was a first round pick they acquired after shipping out former captain Bo Horvat to the Islanders. At the time, many lambasted it as an overpay. Even now, some fans do not think the Czech defenseman is anywhere near worth $7 million a year. However, he fits in with what they’re building in terms of both skillset and age profile.
Elsewhere, one guy I think about right now who must be happy is Brandon Montour. Aside from being on the verge of winning the Stanley Cup, he is set to enter free agency this Summer. Many consider him the #1 right handed defenseman on the market. After putting up 73 points from the blue line last season, will he be offered $8 million annually from a team? It is not out of the question.
More To Do In Van City
This is only one move out of many that the Canucks need to think about. At the top of the free agent market, Jim Rutherford has something up his sleeve. Seravalli also reported that he will be aggressive in pursuing Jake Guentzel once he’s a free agent. However, they have a ton of other names that need to either be re-signed or replaced. Some of those include Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, and Dakota Joshua. With just under $17 million in cap space, they have lots of options. One trade candidate to open cap space is Ilya Mikheyev. He makes $4.75 million against the cap and would give them some much needed flexibility to make more moves if unloaded.
All over the board, there’s gonna be a ton of action coming from the Vancouver Canucks. Bringing Filip Hronek back is just one of many moves they will have to take.
