On this version of the Vancouver Canucks Information & Rumors, the group prolonged defenceman Filip Hronek. Additionally, the Canucks are anticipated to make a large push for Jake Guentzel in free company. Moreover, Nikita Zadorov appears unlikely to return to Vancouver.
Canucks Prolong Hronek
Canucks common supervisor Patrik Allvin introduced the membership prolonged defenceman Hronek to an eight-year contract with an annual common worth of $7.25 million cap hit. The 26-year-old defenceman scored 5 targets and posted 48 factors in 81 video games.
“Filip has slot in seamlessly on our blueline, giving us stability and energy on the proper aspect,” Allvin stated. “His capacity to skate, defend and create offence is precisely what you need from a prime pairing defenceman. This season he has proven all of us his need to compete and a willingness to be a frontrunner on this hockey group. We sit up for seeing him proceed to assist elevate our group and for him to develop each on and off the ice.”
Hroenk spent the 2023-24 season enjoying alongside captain Quinn Hughes, who’s the front-runner for the Norris Trophy. The Canucks acquired him and a 2023 fourth-round decide from the Detroit Crimson Wings on March 1, 2023, for the New York Islanders’ 2023 conditional first-round decide and their very own 2023 second-round draft decide.
The Canucks have been capable of prolong the defender for lower than his market worth, which might’ve been north of $8 million. Moreover, with the cap doubtless rising within the subsequent few years, signing a top-four right-shot defenceman at $7.25 million may very well be under market worth.
Canucks Will Push For Guentzel
A number of insiders have reported the Canucks will make a push for Guentzel on July 1. The Canucks are believed to have the perfect mixture of cash and alternative out of the golf equipment within the ahead. Moreover, Guentzel has a reference to president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and common supervisor Patrik Allvin, in addition to head coach Rick Tocchet because the ahead performed below them with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Signings Guentzel will price the Canucks $9 million a season no less than. He’s a playoff performer and an elite top-six ahead who would offer the Canucks with scoring off the wing. He’d line up alongside Elias Pettersson, who wants a top-end winger heading into subsequent season.
Zadorov Return Appears Unlikely
The Canucks prolonged one defenceman however will doubtless lose one other. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman stated the membership most probably gained’t have the ability to hold Zadorov, however he does need to keep. He added the blueliner will take much less from the Canucks, however there’s a restrict. Nonetheless, with Hronek signing a long-term deal, it’s unlikely Zadorov will get the time period he needed.
The Canucks acquired the 6-foot-6 defenceman from the Calgary Flames for a 2026 third-round decide and a 2024 fifth-round decide. He performed 54 video games within the common season with the membership, scoring 5 targets and posting 14 factors, however his affect was actually felt within the playoffs. He scored 4 targets and posted eight factors by 13 video games whereas averaging 20:09 in time on ice. The defenceman could have a number of suitors and can get the cash he’s asking for if he hits free company on July 1.
Canucks Re-Signal Friedman
The Canucks made a depth signing to their blue line as effectively, bringing defenceman Mark Friedman again. The blueliner signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the membership.
“Mark’s addition to our group final yr gave us some a lot wanted depth and he’s somebody we will rely on if plugged into our lineup,” Allvin stated. “He’s a group first participant and is all the time able to step in if referred to as upon. We anticipate him to come back into camp and compete laborious for a daily spot this season.”
Friedman was the Canucks’ eighth defenceman final season, as Noah Juulsen was the group’s seventh blueliner. The 28-year-old is coming into his eighth NHL season, splitting time between Vancouver, Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia Flyers.
