The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed blue liner Filip Hronek to an eight-year, $58-million contract on Tuesday, general manager Patrik Allvin announced. Hronek was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this offseason but will instead be tied to the franchise for the foreseeable future.
As a result, the 26 year old’s new deal will carry an average annual value of $7.25 million. Originally elected in the 2nd round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2016, Hronek had a career-high 48 points (5G, 43A) in 81 games for the Canucks last season.
“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 bring a decorated international resume to the table having represented Czechia four times at the world championship and twice at the world juniors. He was also named top defenceman at the 2019 world championship, helping Czechia to capture bronze at the 2022 worlds.
The Canucks enter the offseason with the core pieces of their blue line locked up long term, and will turn their attention to the draft and free agent market this summer as they hope to bounce back from their Game 7 loss to Edmonton in the 2nd round of the playoffs.
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