Detroit Red Wings: Niklas Kronwall set to hang them up after this season

Niklas Kronwall has alluded to the fact that this season likely will be his last.  Before it is officially a career, Kronner has an 82 game grind left to accomplish with the Detroit Red Wings.

The days of getting “Kronwalled” are a distant memory, but Kronwall will remain a leader/mentor to his younger teammates.  Niklas Kronwall has been an alternate captain for the Detroit Red Wings since 2011/2012.

Kronwall’s best days came alongside defense partner Brad Stuart.  The pair often called upon after the great Nicklas Lidstrom, and Brian Rafalski completed their shift.  Detroit could throw three exceptional pairs of defensemen over the boards night in and night out.

Kronwall and Stuart had the capability to play against the opponents best line if Mike Babcock decided he needed a more physical pair that specific evening.

Niklas Kronwall flourished in this role with Stuart.  A couple of reasons were because Stuart was reliable defensively and was comfortable playing the right defense position although he was a left-handed shot.  They often found themselves playing against teams second lines which helps tremendously.

Another reason why Kronner was so effective, he had the best mentor any defenseman could ask for in Nicklas Lidstrom.  Niklas Kronwall would take on a leadership role along with stepping in as the number one d-man once Lidstrom retired.

Nicklas Kronwall to this point has had a fantastic career as a Detroit Red Wing and expressed he could not see himself in another jersey.

The news of Kronwall considering hanging up the skates at years end comes as no surprise.  We’ve spoken about his inability to keep up with the pace of play last season because of nagging injuries, and father time catching up to him.  Kronwall is entering the final year of his contract and may decide this is a good time to ride off into the sunset.

Niklas Kronwall talking about his future, Per Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com;

"“I love the game,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about it. But at the same time you have to be realistic.“I know where I’m at right now. A year from now I don’t know where I’ll be at. I’d love to sign [for] another year but let’s face it. The team’s getting younger. I’m getting older. The game’s getting faster. I’m not the same player I was 10 years ago. But I’m going to do what I can this year both on the ice and off the ice. And just try to be as efficient as I possibly can.”"

Fox Sports Detroit announcers Mickey Redmond along with Ken Daniels often referred to Nicklas Kronwall playing on virtually one leg much of last season.  Kronner played fewer minutes per game than Jonathan Ericsson.  That right there tells you he was battling injuries all year.

The young players, especially the young defensemen we expect to see this season, should use this as an opportunity to stick like glue to Niklas Kronwall.  Even a player like Danny DeKeyser should often find himself asking Kronwall for advice and his opinion on specific areas of his game he feels he needs to improve on.

My favorite “Kronwalled” moment was the hit on Martin Havlat of the Chicago Blackhawks.  Three other hits though come in a close second.  I need to mention the blows to Nikita Kucherov, Ales Hemsky & Jakub Voracek.

If Niklas Kronwall indeed does retire at the seasons’ end, he could serve as a valuable mentor before the last time he ties up his skates.  Granted the young defensemen will still have Trevor Daley, and Mike Green for another season after the departure of alternate captain Kronwall, so the veteran presence will still be around.  It is a Ken Holland team still at the end of the day remember.