Filip Hronek talks new Canucks contract, on and off-ice relationship with Quinn Hughes, and more

When newly-extended Vancouver Canucks defenceman Filip Hronek met with the Vancouver media on Wednesday morning over Zoom, his excitement level to be a Canuck for the next eight years was palpable.

“I’m really excited honestly,” said Hronek, 26. “Happy I got a long term deal and happy to be here for eight more years in Vancouver. Obviously, the season helped. I think we had a good season, and obviously everyone was hoping for a better ending, but overall, I think it was pretty good.”

It was that first full season in Vancouver that left Hronek with little to think about when it came to committing to the team long term.

“I think we played really good, and it was a lot of fun. It was a fun year for me and I really enjoyed it. So I mean, there was not much to think about [in deciding] to stay. I really enjoyed the whole season. So it was an easy decision to make and I’m really happy we got a deal done.”

Hronek spent most of his time alongside the expected Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. Hronek reflected on playing with the Canucks captain and the duo’s relationship off the ice.

“Honestly, it’s pretty easy to play with him and I would say we have a good chemistry on and off the ice, so it helps. I’m really excited to keep it going… I mean, everything was natural, and we see a lot of things the same way. We’re able to talk about a lot of stuff even of the ice, and even on the eyes as well. It’s pretty easy actually, it’s a really good relationship.”

In the first half of the season, the pairing was one of the NHL’s best, as Hronek tallied three goals and 31 assists through his first 41 games of the season. The second half was tougher for Hronek personally, as his numbers dipped somewhat dramatically to just two goals, nine assists, and a plus-minus of -5 through his final 41 games. While Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy reported that Hronek was dealing with an injury, Hronek hasn’t been willing to use that as an explanation for his play down the stretch.

“I need to get stronger every year,” said Hronek when asked about his struggles down the stretch. “I think that’s the biggest thing, to get myself stronger and make sure I can keep up the strong play during the whole season. It’s the biggest thing.”

Finally, Hronek responded to Patrik Allvin’s assertion on Tuesday that Hronek has another level to reach in his game.

“I mean, it’s great. It’s why you play the game, to have challenges in front of you and try to get better and better every season. And it’s nice, I feel the trust from the management and from Jim and Patrik and from the coaches as well. It’s nice. It motivates me a lot for sure.”