LATEST | Development in regards to Filip Hronek: Canucks preparing to trade him?
It's clear the Canucks made an excellent acquisition when they acquired Filip Hronek from the Red Wings. He is half of one of the league's best defensive pairings. Had he not played the way he has with Hughes, the Canucks would be nowhere close to where they stand now.
HRONEK: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?
Hronek's play does, however, cause a massive issue for the Canucks. Hronek's breakout started with Detroit last year, and the Czech is still developing and displaying the full extent of his potential to this day. It gets problematic because Hronek is currently in the last year of a bridge deal he signed back in Detroit, and he'll be looking at a massive pay increase.
Many have already stated that the right-handed defenceman was possibly looking at an extension that started, at a bare minimum $8M cap hit. That's where it may be concerning for the Canucks.
CANUCKS NOT OPEN TO PAYING THE BIG PRICE?
Satiar Shah and Irf Gaffar were on Canucks Central as per usual, and they dropped a big piece of information regarding Hronek's future in Vancouver. While it may seem to be evident that the market price for Hronek stands around $8M, the Canucks aren't willing to give up that much:
HRONEK TO BE TRADED OVER THE SUMMER?
If the Canucks aren't willing to up their offer to Hronek's $8M, and the Czech isn't ready to take a pay cut, it could be an indication that a trade may be looming. As a restricted free agent, Hronek won't be free to leave for the destination of his choice, but as we've recently seen (Matthew Tkachuck, Pierre-Luc Dubois), RFA's aren't afraid to ask for trades out.
With multiple contracts coming to an end and their franchise cornerstone in need of a new deal, the Canucks will have to be highly cautious with the way they choose to spend their money. Should they decide to sign Hronek to whatever price he wants? Or move on from him if his price tag doesn't make sens for the team?
| POLL | ||
If Hronek isn't willing to settle under $8M, what's their play? | ||
| Sign him | 236 | 27.3 % |
| Trade Him | 496 | 57.3 % |
| See Results | 134 | 15.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
