Defenseman Hronek signs long term extension with Canucks

*Photo from TSN*

   Here's a big signing. Defenseman Filip Hronek and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to a 8 year, $58 million contract extension, according to an announcement by the team.

   Coming off a strong season in Vancouver, Hronek was a pending RFA in July. He has proven himself to be an effective two way defenseman, playing on the team's second power play unit and second penalty killing unit. His 104 hits this past season falls one short of his career high in a season.

   Vancouver GM Patrik Allvin said of the extension that "This was something that we have talked with Filip and his agent Allan Walsh [about] for quite a time here, and I think although we had his rights for another year, I think this was important for our team knowing his contract number leading forward and also a younger defenseman on the right side that we feel that we can continue to work with. I think there is more to come there, so it definitely was important for us to get Filip locked up here. And when he expressed his interest of wanting to stay in Vancouver and be part of this group for long term, we were extremely pleased to get it over the finish line here."

   Hronek scored 5 goals and had a career high 43 assists this past season, notching a career high in points with 48 and averaging 23:26 of ice time per game with a +33 rating in 81 games, also a career high. His 87 blocked shots are also a career high. He added a goal and an assist in 13 playoff games.

   At the 2022-2023 trade deadline, Hronek was traded to the Canucks for two draft picks. He was chosen by the Red Wings with a second round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Since joining the Canucks, he has 5 goals and 44 assists for 49 points in 85 games.

   Debuting in 2018-2019, Hronek has played in 6 NHL seasons between the Canucks and Red Wings. He has 35 goals and 170 assists for 205 points, averaging 22:32 of ice time per game while posting a -55 rating in 390 games. His 13 playoff games this past year are his first playoff games.

   Hronek said of signing the extension that "I'm really excited, obviously. Happy I got a long-term deal and happy to be here for eight more years in Vancouver. I think we had a good season and obviously we were hoping for a better ending. But overall I think it was pretty good."

   The Canucks are on the heels of a first place finish in the Pacific Division with a 50-23-9 record, their first division title since 2013. They were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers in 7 games.