The Vancouver Canucks can’t seem to avoid the injury bug this season, most recently with Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes missing practice on Friday and being ruled doubtful for Saturday’s afternoon contest with the Seattle Kraken.
According to head coach Rick Tocchet however, the team may finally have some good news on the injury front, as Filip Hronek is back to skating.
Hronek was injured on November 27, and was given an eight week recovery timeline following a procedure on December 3, but may be ahead of schedule if he’s skating already.
Tocchet said they’re not rushing their top pairing defenceman back, but that Hronek’s fitness level should help him get back into game shape relatively quickly.
Before the injury, Hronek had 9 points in 21 games following a breakout campaign with the Canucks in 2023-24.
While seeing him return would be good news at any time, it’s even more so with the injuries Vancouver has grappled with all season.
If Hronek’s recovery is on track with the eight week timeline given earlier this month, he should return January 29 against the Nashville Predators.
Urgency for trade could be rising
While Tocchet doesn’t want to rush Filip Hronek, the Canucks really could use him sooner than later.
With Quinn Hughes doubtful for Saturday’s game with what appears to be a hand injury, the Canucks will be without their entire top pair for the first time this season with just a two point lead on the second wild card in the west.
If Hughes is missing more than a game or two, the Canucks may be forced to make a move ASAP.