Hronek's Importance: How Critical Will Hronek Be in 2025-26?

October 2nd, 2025

Jaden Teja

Dynamic duos have always played a key role in the world, whether it's fictional characters like Batman and Robin or Mario and Luigi, or food pairings like peanut butter and jelly. But they're often most highlighted in sports, among the likes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, or Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. In most cases, only the superstar gets all the attention, while the ‘sidekicks’ importance is often overshadowed.

In the Canucks' case, Quinn Hughes is our brightest star, and rightfully so. We know how important he is to the team and what he means to the franchise. But Filip Hronek’s significance isn’t valued enough.

Before Hronek arrived in Vancouver, the Canucks had been desperately searching for a solid defensive partner for Hughes ever since Chris Tanev's departure in 2020. In my opinion, the number-two defenseman is one of the most important roles in the league. Look across the NHL, all elite teams not only have an anchor on the blue line but also a top-tier number two to take pressure off when needed. Devon Toews and Thomas Harley are great examples.

Most people expected Hronek to lead his own pairing; I did too. But Rick Tocchet decided to play him alongside Hughes.

In their first season playing together, Hughes and Hronek proved they were one of the best defensive duos in the NHL, finishing the 2023–24 season third in expected goals for among all defense pairs. Both also posted career highs in Corsi. Hronek’s playing style complements Hughes extremely well; both are excellent skaters, elite passers, and present threats from the blue line. Hughes with his seeing eye wrist shot, Hronek with his powerful slap shot. Dynamic puck-moving defensemen are the new wave in the modern NHL, and the Canucks are lucky to have two of them.

But it can’t be overlooked how different things would be if you subtract Hronek from the equation. The Canucks are projected to be one of the best defensive teams in the league this year, but if Hronek misses time again, I’m not sure anyone on the roster can truly replace what he brings.

Elias Pettersson and Victor Mancini may still be a few years away from taking on top-four responsibilities, let alone filling a top-two role. Marcus Pettersson is very solid, but I believe he’s best suited for a second-pair role alongside Tyler Myers.

Last season, Hronek missed 21 games, and the Canucks went 8-6-7. He logged the second-most penalty kill minutes among Canucks defensemen and had the fourth-highest ice time overall on the team. Not to mention his breakout ability and value on the second unit power-play.

Then there’s the impact on Hughes. Without Hronek, not only do the defense pairs get shuffled, but Hughes is forced to play more minutes and carry an even greater load, something we saw that didn’t have the best results last season. If the Canucks hope to make a deep playoff run, that’s not a recipe for success. Hughes is the number one guy, and as long as he’s in Vancouver, that won’t change. But like every great superhero, he's at his best when he has his sidekick by his side.

Canucks fans were quick to judge Hronek’s contract extension and even tossed him into mock trades this past year, and I don’t agree with that. Hronek won’t be making national headlines, but his presence is an essential part of the team's success. In a league where teams with elite defence pairs go deep in the playoffs, the Canucks have one of the best. He’s a vital part of this team’s success, and they’re going to need him this year. It’s time more people start seeing it that way.