One reason the Detroit Red Wings traded defenseman Filip Hronek just before the 2023 trade deadline was the anticipated cost of re-signing him a year later.
That cost became clear on Tuesday when Hronek inked an eight-year, $58 million extension with the Vancouver Canucks, averaging $7.25 million annually—a significant increase from his previous three-year, $13.2 million contract with the Red Wings ($4.4 million AAV).
The Red Wings traded Hronek to the Canucks late last season for 2023 first- and second-round picks. They used the first-round pick to select skilled defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka (17th overall) and traded down with the second-round pick to draft defenseman Brady Cleveland. They also selected left wing Kevin Bicker with the fifth-round pick acquired in the trade.
Hronek, 26, was Detroit’s third pick, 53rd overall in the second round, in 2016.
He recorded a career-high 48 points (five goals, 43 assists) and a plus-33 rating in 81 games this season, primarily paired with Quinn Hughes, a likely Norris Trophy winner.
Hronek could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.
“Although we had his rights for another year, it was important to know his contract number moving forward and to have a young defenseman on the right side to work with,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “When he expressed his interest in staying in Vancouver long-term, we were extremely pleased to finalize the deal.”
Allvin added, “I believe Hronek has another level to reach. He’s very competitive, skates well, moves the puck effectively, and fits well in our locker room.”
