Could Filip Hronek Be the Missing Piece for Ottawa? Canucks’ Rebuild Opens the Door
The Vancouver Canucks are officially in sell mode. As TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported this week, the organization is embracing a full-scale rebuild-and that means just about everyone on the roster could be in play. The trade chatter is heating up, and while names like Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, Conor Garland, and Kiefer Sherwood are generating buzz, one name in particular is drawing serious league-wide interest: Filip Hronek.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Hronek might just be the most coveted piece on the Canucks’ roster if they decide to make him available. And one team that’s already being linked to the 28-year-old defenseman? The Ottawa Senators.
Friedman didn’t mince words: “Yes, he would be the guy. I think if Vancouver was serious he would be the guy… I guarantee to you if he was available, I could see a team like Ottawa doing something, I could see a whole bunch of teams calling them about him.”
Let’s break that down-because there’s a lot to unpack here.
Hronek’s Value Is Clear
Hronek is in the midst of a strong campaign, racking up 27 points (three goals, 24 assists) through 47 games. That kind of production from the blue line doesn’t just happen by accident-he’s been a steady offensive contributor and a reliable presence in all three zones.
He’s also in year two of an eight-year, $58 million contract signed in 2024, which includes a full no-movement clause through the 2027-28 season. That kind of term and control doesn’t just make him a rental-it makes him a long-term investment.
For a team like Ottawa, that’s exactly the type of player you want to build around.
Why Ottawa Makes Sense
The Senators are currently sitting on the outside looking in, seven points back of the final wild-card spot. But don’t let that fool you-this is a team that believes its window is just starting to open. Even if they fall short this season, adding a player like Hronek fits perfectly into their long-term vision.
Ottawa already boasts one of the league’s strongest left-side defensive trios in Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot, and Tyler Kleven. But the right side?
That’s where things get interesting. Artem Zub and Jordan Spence have held their own defensively, but they don’t bring the same kind of offensive upside Hronek offers.
And if Ottawa were to slide Hronek into a top-four role-potentially in place of Nick Jensen-they’d be adding a puck-moving, power-play capable defenseman who can log big minutes and tilt the ice.
In short, Hronek isn’t just a good fit-he’s the kind of addition that could elevate Ottawa’s blue line from solid to dangerous.
The Big Question: Can Ottawa Afford Him?
Of course, none of this happens unless the Senators can meet the Canucks’ asking price. Vancouver’s front office tandem of Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin won’t be giving Hronek away. He’s one of their most valuable assets, and with that no-movement clause in play, Hronek would have to sign off on any potential deal.
But Ottawa has the pieces to make something happen. Whether it’s young players, picks, or a creative combination of both, the Sens have enough in the cupboard to at least start a serious conversation.
And if they’re serious about taking the next step-not just this season, but over the next several years-this is the kind of bold, forward-thinking move that could pay off in a big way.
Final Thoughts
The Canucks are open for business, and the phones are ringing. If Filip Hronek becomes available, expect a bidding war-and don’t be surprised if Ottawa is right in the thick of it. For a team looking to solidify its core and add a dynamic presence on the back end, Hronek checks just about every box.
Now it’s just a matter of whether the Sens are ready to make their move.