‘Extremely pleased’ Canucks GM Patrik Allvin discusses the Filip Hronek extension
18 days ago
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin met with the media on Tuesday afternoon moments after the club announced the 8-year/$58M dollar extension with restricted free agent defenceman Filip Hronek.
Allvin discussed the steps that led to Hronek putting pen to paper and the importance of getting this deal done well before the defenceman had the chance to file for arbitration.
“This was something we had talked with Filip and his agent Allan Walsh for quite a time here and although we had his rights for another year I think this was important for our team and knowing his contract number leading forward. And also a younger defenceman on the right side that we feel we can continue to work with and I think there is more to come there. So it was definitely 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 long term we were extremely pleased to get it over the finish line.”
By locking Hronek up long term, the Canucks now have cost certainty when it comes to this player and to how much money they’ll have to spend elsewhere to bolster their roster. Allvin said the maximum length of the contract makes sense for both sides.
“When you start negotiation or conversation with Filip and his agent, I think that was the preference from their end to stay in Vancouver long term. And then we as an organization needed to look at our projected roster moving forward, but we felt comfortable with the age where Filip is and where we believe his game could go. Also finding a right shot defenceman at that age and his quality made us feel comfortable going to eight years. And obviously there’s two sides and it needs to work with AAV and that’s why sometimes discussions and negotiations take a little bit longer.”
Allvin noted that Hronek was one of many Canucks that battled through the bumps and bruises that come with a regular season and two rounds of playoff hockey. But he feels the blueliner will be better for the experience of having participated in the post-season for the first time in his NHL career. And while Hronek posted a career-best 48 points last season, the GM thinks he capable of much more.
“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 run another pair, being the main guy, how you utilize him on the power play. I think this was a great learning experience for Filip playing those meaningful games in the end, getting those 13 playoff games. So I believe he has another level to get to and I believe he’s capable of getting to another level and finding his consistency more. 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.”
As for what the Hronek signing means for the Canucks and their plans to reshape their blueline, Allvin wasn’t tipping his hand. He did name-check a couple of internal candidates to help on the right side. But he also conceded that there isn’t enough money to go around to keep everybody in the fold.
Allvin on what Hronek’s signing means for the rest of the right side of Canucks defence:
Allvin on what Hronek’s signing means for the rest of the right side of Canucks defence:
“We have Noah Juulsen (who) is capable of playing in the top six. We have Cole McWard knocking on the door who had a really strong second half in Abbotsford that I hope is going to have a good summer and come in here and push for a roster spot as well. We’re talking internally here. We’re talking to Rick Tocchet and his coaching staff as well. We’re looking at all options, but it really appears like we’re not going to be able to re-sign all of our UFAs at this point.”
Filip Hronek is set to meet with the Vancouver media on Wednesday morning to discuss his new deal.
Check out the emergency edition of Sekeres and Price for instant reaction to the signing!
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