Canucks’ Filip Hronek could be ‘out a while’ with injury

Quinn Hughes is in need of a new defence partner — temporarily, at least.

Vancouver Canucks blueliner Filip Hronek could be “out for a while” after leaving Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins after an awkward collision, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said Thursday on The Fan Hockey Show.

Hronek went shoulder-first into the end boards after a hit by Penguins defenceman Jack St. Ivany with less than a minute remaining in the game.

The Canucks lost the game 5-4.

Hronek, 27, has recorded one goal and eight assists in 21 games this season. He signed an eight-year, $58 million contract extension with the Canucks in June.

Vancouver returns to action Friday in Buffalo.