Canucks 7 million dollar defenseman surprisingly absent from practice leaving his game status uncertain

The Vancouver Canucks were looking to bounce back this season after a rough campaign in 2024/25, but with a 9-11-2 record through their first 22 games, it's safe to say that they've not found their best form early in the season.

While they're still in the Pacific Division race, the Canucks are battling through some injury issues, and the latest news out of practice suggests that another major absence could be on the way.

On Saturday ahead of a clash with the Calgary Flames on Sunday, veteran blue liner Filip Hronek was absent from practice, and while there's been no update, positive or otherwise on his status, it has some fans worried.

Hronek has played in all 22 games for the Canucks so far this season, tallying 1 goal and 11 points in that time, but given the work he does on the blue line, it's safe to say that this team couldn't afford to lose him long-term.

According to follow up reports, Hronek is dealing with an illness that's kept him out of practice, but with the team not playing until Sunday, the hope is that he can get close enough to 100% to be on the ice for his team.

Even with Hronek, the Canucks have struggled to dominate this season, and while there's plenty of time to turn things around, if they can't find their very best, the 2025/26 season may end up quite disappointing in Vancouver.