A new Filip Hronek contract has been reached as he re-signs with the Vancouver Canucks. Hronek agreed to a new contract with the Canucks on an eight-year deal worth $7.25 M annually. He had a very consistent season for the Canucks and earns his pay raise.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announces that the #Canucks have agreed to terms with defenceman Filip Hronek on an 8-year contract with a $7.25M AAV. pic.twitter.com/gmRO7O6AOm
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) June 18, 2024
Filip Hronek Has New Eight-Year Contract
Hronek is coming off an odd season. Brilliant through the first half, his numbers dropped significantly after mid-January. A disappointing playoff run followed, where he scored his first points – one goal, one assist – in his final two games. Whether it was re-injuring his shoulder or something different, he never said. But it is a red tinge to the otherwise green flag signing him.
After a shoulder injury kept him out of most of late 2022-23, Hronek roared back in 2023-24, clipping along at a 70-point pace. That’s far beyond what he had managed previously in his career and was no doubt aided by his place alongside Quinn Hughes. But he helped Hughes reach all-time highs as well, and more than earned his place.
He entered this offseason being arbitration-eligible, giving both sides a firm time limit. It’s not the best of all possible options, so avoiding it added pressure to wrap negotiations up soon. Not that they weren’t acrimonious: he reportedly rejected an eight-year, $52-54 million offer during the season. And his playoffs did nothing to downgrade that offer. With 20 defencemen reaching an $8 million cap hit in 2023-24, he no doubt expected more.
What’s Next
The primary question behind any new Filip Hronek deal is whether he can be a “number one” defenceman. He was expected to carry the load on a weak Detroit Red Wings team early in his career but lost that spot when they drafted Moritz Seider. The Canucks, long searching for help on the right side, paid a premium for his services. And for at least half the year, he came through. If keeping him in stride in Canuck colours continues, it is excellent for Patrik Allvin and staff.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
