The Vancouver Canucks desperately needed to improve their blueline, particularly the right side, and they did so by acquiring Filip Hronek from the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
They also picked up a 4th-round NHL Draft pick this summer while giving up the conditional 2023 1st-rounder they acquired from the New York Islanders in the Bo Horvat trade, plus a 2023 2nd-round pick.
Hronek is a minute-muncher for an improving Detroit Red Wings club, while “improving” would best describe Hronek’s play over the the last few seasons. He can play in all situations, including the power play, and he makes a crisp first pass, the second thing scouts look for in defenceman after skating ability.
He’s not the greatest skater, not that fleet afoot, but he will jump into the rush effectively. Hronek has 38 points in 60 games this season. At this point he’s the Red Wings top offensive player from the blueline and his analytics reflect it.
One of the most enticing elements for the Canucks management group: He’s only 25-years-old and his birthday isn’t until November. He’s the right age and he still seems to be developing his skills and overall game.
He’s averaged slightly more than half-a-point a match in his 305-game NHL career. He makes $4.4-million for one more season.
Canucks Outgoing
The Canucks no longer have a 2nd-round pick in the 2023 draft. They still have their own 1st-rounder, one they hope magically moves up to first-overall in the draft lottery. After that pick, the next one they’ll have is their own in the third round, and then the additional 3rd-rounder they picked up on Tuesday from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Luke Schenn.
Vancouver now has three 4th-round picks this summer. The Canucks have two more days to use those as trade chips.
Hronek will be the lone player with the club from the Czech Republic. Minor leaguer, 22-year-old prospect forward Karel Plasek is playing on the wing back home in Olomouc this season,
The Nucks might flip Hronek in a package deal by Friday?
Hmmm….
Would be utterly and completely shocked.