Vancouver Canucks sign defenseman Hronek to eight-year extension

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Filip Hronek to an eight-year extension worth an average annual value of $7.25 million.

Hronek, 26, was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of June.

Vancouver acquired the 6-foot, 190-pound blueliner from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a package of draft picks, including a first-round pick, in March 2023.

Hronek posted a career-high 48 points (five goals, 43 assists) in 81 regular-season games for the Canucks last season.

He totaled 35 goals and 170 assists in 390 regular season games between Vancouver and Detroit and two points in 13 playoff games for the Canucks this year.

The Red Wings originally selected Hronek in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2016 draft.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said the team looks forward to seeing Hronek continue to grow both on and off the ice.

“Filip has fit in perfectly on our blue line, giving us stability and strength on the right side,” he said in a statement. “His ability to skate, defend and create offense is exactly what you want in a top defenseman. This season, he’s shown all of us a desire to compete and a desire to be a leader on this hockey team.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 18, 2024.

The Canadian Press