THN.com/podcast Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk2MjMyNTA1NTA1MzU5Mzg3/usatsi_20072064.jpg] Well, no one saw this coming. In one of the more surprising trades this season, the Detroit Red Wings sent defenseman Filip Hronek and a 2023 fourth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick. The first-rounder was originally owned by the New York Islanders, and was sent to the Canucks in the trade that shipped Bo Horvat to Long Island. This is quite a shocker. In what is ostensibly a lost season, the Canucks traded away a first-round pick in arguably the deepest draft in recent memory for a 25-year-old who counts for $4.4 million against the cap through next season. Hronek is a very good defenseman – that's without question. In 60 games this year, the Czech blueliner has racked up nine goals and 29 assists for 38 points while logging nearly 22 minutes in ice time per night. But he is also only cost-controlled through 2023-24, after which he will command a pricey extension. Considering the Canucks could have used that first-round pick on a prospect who, in theory, had the potential to give them great value on an entry-level contract for three years, the move makes very little sense from their end of things. The Red Wings, however, appeared to be right in the mix for Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun after today's trade, having cleared the cap space and gained the assets – namely, an extra first-round pick – necessary to acquire him. It didn't work out, as the Ottawa Senators completed the deal for the D-man with the Coyotes later in the afternoon. The Red Wings can, however, use that pick elsewhere. They are only six points out of a wild-card spot heading into Tuesday night's games, which is a tough task to overcome, but it's possible. They may also take advantage of a deep draft or acquire someone with term. The Chychrun trade did not come to fruition for Detroit. But, for now, the Red Wings appear to have a concrete plan moving forward, while the Canucks don't. Note: This story was updated after the Chychrun trade to Ottawa was announced.
