VANCOUVER — Top-pairing defenceman Filip Hronek is expected to return to the lineup when the Vancouver Canucks visit the Winnipeg Jets tonight.
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says the 27-year-old Czech blueliner has been working hard and has tested his body over the last week.
Hronek has not played since Nov. 27 when he went into the endboards hard late in Vancouver's 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
General manager Patrik Allvin said on Dec. 3 that Hronek had undergone a successful procedure for a lower-body injury and that no surgery would be required for an upper-body injury.
Hronek has been paired with captain Quinn Hughes for much of the season and registered eight points (one goal, eight assists) in 21 games.
The Canucks (19-13-10) have struggled with injuries this season, with top players such as Hughes, star centre Elias Pettersson, sniper Brock Boeser and all-star goalie Thatcher Demko all missing time to heal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 14, 2025.
The Canadian Press
