Insider Says D-Man Would Be Vancouver’s Most Coveted Trade Target

If the Vancouver Canucks ever decided to truly open the door to trade discussions, one name would immediately rise above the rest: Filip Hronek. According to comments made during a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman says that Hronek would be the player drawing the most league-wide interest if the Canucks were willing — and able — to make him available.

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While several players on Vancouver’s roster carry no-move clauses or varying degrees of trade protection, Hronek is among them but stands out not just because of his on-ice value, but because of the position he plays and the type of player he is.

“He would be the guy,” Friedman said. “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 keeps his thoughts private and doesn’t give much away publicly. That makes it difficult to know how he feels about Vancouver’s direction. But if the Canucks were serious about changing course, the belief is that Hronek would instantly become the most sought-after piece on their roster.

Conor Garland was mentioned as another player who would generate interest, but Hronek was viewed as the clear No. 1 target.

Hronek Offers Something No Other Canuck Does

Right-shot defensemen who can log heavy minutes, play in all situations, and quietly do their job are among the most valuable commodities in the NHL. Teams are always looking for them — and willing to pay a premium.

“If he was available, I guarantee you teams would be calling,” the insider said. “I could see Ottawa doing something. I could see a whole bunch of teams calling.”

The discussion also touched on how organizations can get trapped by their own messaging. Labels like “rebuild” or “retool,” the insider argued, often create unnecessary pressure. As such, it’s hard to know what the Canucks are willing to do and what they aren’t. When it comes to trades, it sounds like almost everyone is available. But, rather than committing publicly to a specific window, the Canucks are taking whatever time it takes.

If the Canucks ever reach the point where they know it’s time to tear it down and do it quickly, Hronek’s name would immediately dominate trade conversations around the league.

For now, he remains a key part of Vancouver’s blue line. But if circumstances change, there may be no player on the roster more coveted by rival teams.

Next: Does Suggested Oilers-Kraken Trade for Defenseman Make Sense?