The Sabres should be keeping an eye on this Canucks defenseman.
The Sabres should be keeping an eye on this Canucks defenseman.
The Buffalo Sabres made a big splash before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring Bowen Byram in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt. This was a major move for both clubs, as they each improved weaknesses on their rosters by using their surpluses.
While the Sabres' blue line got a big boost with this Byram addition, they should not be done adding to their defense. Bringing a top-four, right-shot defenseman should be next on the agenda for the Sabres, and they have an interesting option to keep an eye on in Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks.
Hronek, 26, has been on fire for the Canucks this season, posting five goals and a career-high 46 points in 74 contests. He is also eighth in the NHL with a strong plus-32 rating.
Given how well Hronek has played for the Canucks, it's easy to tell that they want to keep him around long-term. However, the right-shot defenseman is, understandably, looking to get a big payday. Irfaan Gaffar recently reported that Hronek rejected an eight-year contract extension in the $52 million range.
If the Canucks are unable to sign Hronek to a long-term contract and they reach a deal this summer through arbitration, he would be just one year away from being a UFA. That would naturally make him become a potential trade candidate, as he would be far too big of an asset for the Canucks to lose for nothing.
The Sabres should pay attention to this situation. If Hronek is made available in any way, Buffalo would be wise to be among his suitors. He would give their top four and power play a massive boost.
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