The Vancouver Canucks made a substantial leap up the NHL hierarchy this past season, winning 50 games for the first time in over a decade and pushing the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers to the limit in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With Jack Adams Award winner Rick Tocchet at the helm, fans' optimism in this franchise is justifiably high at the moment. Though, there are some matters the organization must successfully address this offseason.

And it might begin with securing its blue line. Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin is already thinking about the team's defense and is making sure to lock up one of its young talents. Filip Hronek is staying put in Vancouver for a while after signing an eight-year contract extension worth $58 million, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

The 26-year-old from Czech Republic tallied 43 assists, five goals, 87 blocks, 104 hits and 24 takeaways in 81 games for the Canucks in 2023-24. While this is obviously a big commitment for ownership to make, it also sends a message to the hockey world that this franchise is committed to building a prosperous long-term future.

The Quinn Hughes-Hronek pairing has proven to be quite impactful, and with this move, there is the expectation that the continuity will keep wielding favorable results on the ice. But such a financial sacrifice means that other defensemen could be lost in free agency this July, namely Nikita Zadorov.

The midseason trade acquisition provided stalwart contributions in the playoffs, scoring eight points across Vancouver's two series. His 6-foot-5 frame gave the squad valuable size in its defensive attack and could now be missed going forward. He is reportedly giving management one last chance to get a deal done, but the Filip Hronek extension raises serious doubt about any potential negotiations.

Canucks could have other big plans this offseason

Aside from seemingly prioritizing Hronek, another reason why it could be difficult to retain Zadorov is because Allvin is intent on investing elsewhere. The blue-line group comprises a key part of this team's identity, but it is clear Vancouver needs more weapons on offense.

Taking the next step towards Stanley Cup contention will probably not be done without adding another productive forward. The Canucks are already considered a possible candidate to win the Jake Guentzel sweepstakes, but they could also be eying other options on the open market as well. Speed and skill appear to be coveted by this regime, which is no surprise given the makeup of the team that eliminated Vancouver back in May.

Patrik Allvin and Rick Tocchet have done a nice job of pushing the franchise back into relevance, but sustaining momentum will be essential in the loaded Western Conference. These fans do not want to settle for a breakthrough campaign.

They want it to be the precursor to a proud and historic era of Canucks hockey, one that Filip Hronek will ideally be a huge part of following this latest news.