The New York Islanders are a strong hockey team, likely to secure a playoff spot and perform well, even if they don’t quite reach the level of “Stanley Cup contenders” just yet. However, to join that elite group, they need to address a major gap in their defense with a top-tier right-handed defenseman who can partner with their No. 1 draft pick, Matthew Schaefer, for the next several years.
One potential candidate for this role could be Filip Hronek from Vancouver. At 28 years old, Hronek has five years left on his $7.25 million annual contract and holds a full no-movement clause, giving him control over his destination. Considering Vancouver’s current challenges and their intention to trade a veteran player aside from Quinn Hughes—who might become a free agent—Hronek could be available if the right offer comes along.
Hronek has ties to the Islanders organization as well. When the Canucks traded Bo Horvat to the Islanders in January 2023, they received the Islanders’ 2023 first-round draft pick. Vancouver then sent that pick to the Detroit Red Wings before the trade deadline, pairing Hronek with Hughes as their main defensive unit. Currently, Hronek plays on Vancouver’s second defensive pair alongside Tyler Myers.
Although it may seem ironic for Hronek to join the Islanders’ blue and orange squad, he perfectly fills their defensive need and fits well within their core timeline. Notably, Hronek’s agent, Alan Walsh, also represents Jonathan Drouin, who recently signed a two-year, $4 million annual contract with Long Island.
The main hurdle is the cost. To acquire Hronek, the Islanders would need to negotiate what to offer Vancouver. Since Hronek holds a full no-movement clause, Vancouver has little leverage if he wants to leave, meaning the Islanders wouldn’t need to present the most lucrative offer, just an acceptable one.
Hronek was initially acquired by Vancouver with the Islanders’ 2023 first-round pick and Vancouver’s 2023 second-round pick. The Islanders still own some valuable draft assets, including the University of Colorado’s 2026 first-round pick from the Brock Nelson trade and their own likely more valuable 2026 first-round pick, though the Blackhawks hold their 2023 second-round pick.
The question is whether the Islanders’ 2026 first-round, conditional third-round pick, and a depth forward would be enough to get Hronek. This season, Hronek has played 23 games, tallying 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists), with minimal penalties and averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game.
Fan Take: This potential trade is significant because it addresses a crucial defensive need for the Islanders and could immediately elevate their competitiveness. For hockey fans, landing a player like Hronek signals the team’s serious intentions to contend, adding excitement to the upcoming seasons and possibly intensifying rivalries within the league.
