Vancouver Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek has found himself at the center of trade speculation - but his camp is making it clear: he’s not going anywhere.
The chatter started when NHL insider Elliotte Friedman brought up Hronek’s name on his 32 Thoughts podcast, noting that the 28-year-old blueliner has a full no-move clause in his contract. That means Hronek holds all the cards when it comes to any potential trade. Friedman floated the idea that if Hronek were ever to become available, teams like the Ottawa Senators - and likely several others - would line up to make a call.
But Hronek’s agent, Allan Walsh, didn’t let that speculation hang in the air for long.
“This is just wasted air,” Walsh posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Great players are in demand everywhere.
But the NHL is not fantasy hockey. Why bring up players that are not available for trade?
Vancouver management and coaches are happy with Fil and Fil has no interest in going anywhere else.”
That’s about as direct as it gets. According to Walsh, the Canucks are pleased with Hronek’s play, and the player is fully committed to staying in Vancouver.
And it’s not hard to see why the Canucks would want to keep him.
Despite the team’s position near the bottom of the standings and the front office signaling a potential rebuild, Hronek has been one of the bright spots on the roster this season. Through 48 games, he’s recorded 27 points - three goals and 24 assists - while logging big minutes on the back end. His plus-minus sits at -3, which, given the Canucks’ struggles, is a testament to his steady presence on the ice.
Hronek’s ability to move the puck, quarterback the power play, and play heavy minutes in all situations has made him a key piece of Vancouver’s blue line. He’s not just putting up points - he’s doing it while drawing top defensive assignments night after night.
Since arriving in Vancouver via trade from Detroit during the 2022-23 season, Hronek has grown into a leadership role. Originally drafted 53rd overall by the Red Wings in 2016, he’s now in his fourth season with the Canucks. And with an eight-year, $58 million deal in place, he’s signed through the 2031-32 season.
So while trade season always brings a flurry of rumors, this one looks like a non-starter - at least for now. Hronek has full control over his future, and both he and the team seem aligned on where that future lies.
The Canucks are back in action Tuesday night when they host the New York Islanders at Rogers Arena. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET.