There’s nothing realistic on Vancouver’s roster that would even bring Knies’ name into the conversation.

Sens decline

If Hronek won't sign for less than Hughes, you think we want him at the expense of all that?

Canucks fans always show their true colours; delusion never that far from the surface 😂. Throw in ever present jealousy of Leafs Nation and we get questionable proposals like this.
Leafs could massively overpay for Hronek or sign Roy, Pesce, etc in FA and keep their assets (of which they have precious few).
Adding Knies makes it pretty clear you were trolling for feedback and everyone knows Leafs logo generates more 👀 traffic than any other team so…congrats your preposterous trade earned a 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 from me

NTU

Leafs are so much better having Knies, Liljegren, cap space and Minten with the Marlies than one expensive Hronok.
But so what if Hronok wants more $$$ that Hughes. If the Canucks doesn't offer as much it to him, as a RFA, what is going to do? Retire from the NHL.

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t this - potentially - exactly tje same as Tkatchuk situation in Calgary? Player doesn’t want to extend long term (Hronek for money, Tkatchuk wanted to play in States) - so team risks losing them for nothing tje year after. If they don’t come to agreement then arbitrator will award a one year deal, after which player becomes FA? Do I have that right?

You're right, Hronok could be a UFA in summer of 2025. Regarding arbitration. If the either side asks for arbitration, the other side can decide if they want a one or two year deal. So Hronok doesn't ask, and he settles for Qualifying Offer, if he doesn't want to sign more than one year with the Canucks. That's the risk the players takes. If by chance he gets a career altering injury, he misses out of millions of dollars for seven years.
It is similar to the Tkachuk situation. But I think there is a couple of differences. Tkachuk had a high QO....believed it was for 10m. Calgary was not a Cup contender. As we know non playoff team trade their upcoming UFAs, usually by TDL. If Canucks think they are Cup contenders, they just keep him as for a Cup run. Cup contenders don't worry about players leaving as UFAs, they play for the current season. For instance, do you think the Leafs are going to trade Marner this summer because he might walk as a UFA?

If Hronek isn't willing to sign for less than Hughes, what makes you think the Leafs can afford his contract?

If Hronek is looking for 8+ your suitors are going to be somewhat limited. Teams like the Leafs literally can't afford to lose a value contract like Knives.