
Allan Walsh, the player agent for Vancouver Canucks’ defenseman Filip Hronek, isn’t just trying to quickly squash rumors that his client might be going anywhere. In a post on social media Sunday, Walsh took aim at pointless speculation and said the blueliner is not looking to leave, and the organization is not looking to trade him.
In response to reports that Hronek would be a popular player if made available while the Canucks sell of assets and rebuild, Walsh noted, “This is just wasted air. 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.”
This response comes after speculation that a couple of teams were seeing if Hronek was available. According to Bruce Garrioch’s reporting, the Ottawa Senators are aggressively scouring the market for a right-shot defenseman, with an added interest in a top-six forward. Hronek felt like a great fit, if Vancouver is willing to make some tough decisions and move him. And should they, the Senators won’t be the only ones with interest.
Friedman noted during a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, “He would be the guy.” He added, “Low maintenance, doesn’t say much, works hard, competes hard, and he’s a heck of a player. He plays a position everybody wants.”
Hronek carries a $7.25 million cap hit through 2031–32 and holds a full no-movement clause. He’s in control of his situaiton and it sounds like neither side has even opened the door to discussions about a move. However, it is possible that Walsh is just trying to calm the noise. As shown before, players have waived no-trade and no-movement clauses when conditions in a particular city change.
Vancouver views him as a core piece but he would have real value on the trade market. If Hronek is open to a move, it will be interesting to see if Walsh’s response changes.
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