Canucks Quinn Hughes & Filip Hronek Remain One Of The NHL's Elite Defensive Pairs

Through the first ten games of the 2024-25 season, one thing has become very clear: Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek are one of the best defensive pairs in the NHL. After an impressive 2023-24 campaign, the duo has taken another step forward this year and been a major factor in why the Vancouver Canucks are 5-2-3 to start the season. An impactful duo at both ends of the ice, Hughes and Hronek continue to pass both the eye test and from an analytics perspective.

View the original article to see embedded media.

So far this season, Hughes and Hronek have played 151:10 at even strength together, which, according to Natural Stat Trick, ranks 21st in the league as of November 5. Here is a look at where the Canucks duo compares to the other 20 pairings who have played at least 150 minutes at even strength together this season:

Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site:

Report: Canucks Dakota Joshua Could Make Season Debut Thursday

Canucks' Brock Boeser Deserves To Play For Team USA At The Four Nations Face-Off

Canucks Finding More Success On The Road To Start 2024-25

What jumps off the page is how strong Hughes and Hronek have been at preventing scoring chances against. They are the only pairing that has played over 150 minutes at even strength that has given up less than 50 scoring chances, as well as the only pairing that has allowed less than 20 high-danger scoring chances. They also have the lowest xGA at 4.98 and have the highest CF% at 63.28. While their offensive numbers are strong, their ability to keep the puck away from their goaltender this season is why they remain one of the league's elite defensive pairings.

Another impressive part of Hughes and Hronek's analytics is their numbers when Vancouver is leading in a game. During their 52:43 of ice time, while playing with the lead, the Canucks have a 32-23 advantage in shots and an 11-3 advantage in high-danger scoring chances created. They also have an XGA of 1.55, which ranks fifth among the 27 other pairs that have played at least 50 minutes of even-strength ice time while leading in a game. Ultimately, it doesn't seem to matter what the situation is, as the Canucks top pair can find a way to be productive regardless of the score.

At this point, it looks like GM Patrik Allvin's gamble to acquire Hronek from the Detroit Red Wings has turned into a massive win for Vancouver. Hughes and Hronek complement each other's skill set well, and with both being signed until 2027, they should continue to thrive as the Canucks top pair. If the duo can continue on this strong pace, it will go a long way in helping Vancouver claim a second straight Pacific Division title.