The talk about trading Filip Hronek has really slowed down.
Frank Seravalli strongly disagreed with Halford and Brough this week, explaining that he sees Hronek, the Canucks defenseman, as “one of the untouchables” on the team.
This is a big change in what people have been saying. For weeks, everyone has been buzzing about Hronek being up for trade. Now, Seravalli is putting a stop to that talk.
He made it clear. You still need players on the team. You need leaders to help build a good atmosphere. Hronek is the type of experienced player that a young team depends on, not someone you trade away for future picks.
Hronek wrapped up the last season with 49 points in 82 games. This included 8 goals and 41 assists, along with 17 assists on power plays while costing $7.25 million against the salary cap.
His minus-23 rating shows the tough side of things. Vancouver allowed a lot of goals all season. Even the best defenders had poor ratings during a season that ended with 316 goals against in a 25-49-8 record.
Why Seravalli’s opinion matters more than rumors
The Canucks ended up in last place in the league, sitting at 32nd overall with only 58 points. They really are in a rebuilding phase. Every older player on the team could be traded if the offer is right.
Seravalli’s comments don’t mean that Vancouver won’t listen to trade offers. It just means that they believe Hronek should have a asking price that is extremely high, not saying he is off limits altogether.
Honestly, this is a unique viewpoint from an insider that counters the usual chatter instead of adding to it. Many reports have linked Hronek to teams like Anaheim and San Jose, who are looking for right-handed defenders. Seravalli is warning Vancouver fans not to expect Hronek to be traded.
The point being made is valid. The Canucks are still looking to hire a head coach and are said to be considering Manny Malhotra for the position. The new coach will come into a situation where the team is trying to reshape itself and find its character. Hronek is part of that character.
What could happen if the Canucks agree with this idea? The team might start focusing on trading some of their other players. Brock Boeser’s contract of $7.25 million could be up for grabs. Elias Pettersson’s name keeps coming up too. Things could change quickly.
The tricky part is that Hronek has a no-move clause. This means he gets a say in any trade, no matter what the management decides. This gives him the option to stick around during the rebuilding phase if he chooses to.
The decisions made by the general manager in Vancouver are still being figured out. Until the new management team establishes its leaders, the status of every veteran player can still be discussed.
The trade market will keep reaching out. Seravalli is advising the Canucks not to respond. Whether they take that advice is the real news.
Leave a Reply