NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the Canucks were asking about Hronek before the Wings decided to start shopping him. Later in the season, Steve Yzerman called back telling the Canucks he's available and if they accept his offer, they wouldn't tell any other teams his available. Apparently those terms were good enough for Vancouver, who picked him up immediately.
The Yzerplan continues to confuse fans as the Red Wings made a series of odd moves this offseason, but so far it has been working out for them. Vancouver is off to a decent start as well so perhaps this trade will work out for both teams.