LATEST | New comparable arises for Filip Hronek's next deal: About to be the Canucks' highest paid Defenseman?

Currently, Hronek is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed as a member of the Detroit Red Wings and is set to become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign, with a qualifying offer of $5.28 million.

When looking at a comparable, one name that comes to mind of many is Devon Toews, not necessarily due to play style, but because of how important he is to Cale Makar, similar to Hronek's importance to Quinn Hughes. Last month, Toews inked a seven-year extension with Colorado with an AAV of $7.25 million which bodes well for the Canucks and Filip Hronek for when it's time to sit down and have contract discussions.

In his most recent '32 Thoughts' article, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said that, before contract talks broke off, the Calgary Flames were offering Noah Hanifin a number above Devon Toews. Why is this news relevant? Well, it's because as the Filip Hronek's camp looks for a starting number to go into contract negotiations with, they could look at something similar in the range of Toews' $7.25 million AAV or higher than that, potentially what Noah Hanifin was being offered, although that number is undisclosed, but could be as high as $8 or $8.5 million AAV.

Hronek, who turned 26 today, is off to a great start this season, recording eight assists, eight penalty minutes and is a plus-eight in nine games.

Do you think Filip Hronek is worth $8-$8.5 million AAV on his next contract? Let us know what you think in the poll below!