Since Elias Pettersson signed the Canucks' most lucrative contract in team history, the focus has now switched to the second most significant contract in line, Filip Hronek.
It was reported that the Canucks and Allan Walsh, Filip Hronek's agent, have had conversations since the moment Pettersson's deal was inked. The Canucks submitted an offer that was rejected. Allvin and the Canucks management seem to have developed a strategy where they lowball their player before engaging in meaningful talks at the very last moment.
Walsh was on the Steve Dangle Podcast and was asked about the latest on his client. The two parties have met since the season ended, but there was no indication that we were close to seeing a signed contract by Hronek.
The 26-year-old Czcech had a career year with 48 points through 81 games, and he's looking to cash in big. The reports suggest he's looking for an annual average of $8M through the next eight years; the Canucks, on their end, have made it known they weren't willing to go over their captain and top defenceman's annual average. Quinn Hughes currently commands a $7.85M AAV.
At this point, the Canucks still have Hronek's right past July 1st, as he's a restricted free agent. From Walsh's perspective, arbitration still isn't out of the equation.
