Patrik Allvin Likes Long-Term Look of Filip Hronek

The Vancouver Canucks signed their first free agent this offseason exactly one month after their season ended.

The Canucks agreed to terms with Filip Hronek on an eight-year contract with a $7.25M AAV and General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke with the media following the news on Tuesday afternoon. 

Following his first full season with Vancouver, Hronek put together a career-high performance of 48 points (5-43-48). Allvin said it was a high priority for the Canucks to come to an agreement with the 26-year-old right-shot defenceman this offseason.

“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,” Allvin said.

The group feels comfortable with the length of the contract given what Hronek accomplished this season and what they feel his potential is moving forward.

“I do think there is part of Filip’s game where we can utilize him more offensively. If that’s by having him with Quinn Hughes or having him running in another pair being the main guy, [or] how you utilize him on the power play. I do think this was a great learning experience for Filip, playing those meaningful games in the end, getting those 13 playoff games, so I believe that he has another level to get to and I believe that he is capable of getting to another level and finding his consistency more,” Allvin said.

The six-year NHL veteran was paired alongside Quinn Hughes throughout the season and complemented the Canucks captain well – who also had a career-best 92 points (17-75-92).

“I think he’s a very competitive player, skates well, I think he moves the puck well and he is a guy that fits well in our dressing room here,” Allvin shared.

The Canucks acquired Hronek and a 2023 fourth-round draft pick from the Detroit Red Wings on March 1, 2023 in exchange for a 2023 conditional first-round pick (New York Islanders) and Vancouver’s own 2023 second-round draft pick.