Fantasy Take: Red Wings Trade Filip Hronek to the Canucks
Alexander MacLean
2023-03-01
The Canucks, working towards more of a re-tool than a rebuild, have acquired Filip Hronek (who is currently injured) and a fourth-round pick from Detroit in exchange for first and second round picks.
What the Canucks Get:
The Canucks get a top-four defenceman on a reasonable contract who can play at both ends of the ice, and has the underlying numbers to back up his play. He could and should get a long look as Quinn Hughes' defensive partner, which would be a great boost for both players.
That being said, Hronek does lose a little bit of value moving from a borderline playoff team in Detroit, to a mushy-middle team in Vancouver. His value likely doesn't change a whole lot, but if anything it should be a net positive.
What the Red Wings Get:
Cap space, and assets to be able to go after a bigger fish. This looks like the kind of deal that would be a pre-cursor to a Jakob Chychrun trade.
After signing the Dylan Larkin extension earlier in the day, the Red Wings have a better sense of where they stand from a roster management perspective and a salary cap perspective. They have the assets, the cap space, and the ripening contention window to make a big addition to their core right now.
Players this helps:
Vancouver Goalies
Players this hurts:
Detroit Goalies