The Detroit Red Wings have defensive help on the way

The Detroit Red Wings are in desperate need of an overhaul but have help on the way. As many as two rookies have a legitimate shot to make the final roster. Needing a right-handed defenseman the team looks no further than Filip Hronek.

Detroit Red Wings prospect, Filip Hronek is a solid two-way defender who has a high hockey I.Q. His arrival was much-anticipated last season for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Perhaps nerves, perhaps the speed of the game saw Hronek get off to a slow start.

Filip Hronek was benched in 4 of his first 5 games. Then he snapped to life. He finished his first season with the Griffins with 11 goals, 28 assists, and 39 points. Tying him with Robbie Russo (2015-16) for most points by any Grand Rapids rookie defensemen.

At 6′ 0″ he is a great puck mover and very solid in the defensive end.  Something the Detroit Red Wings need more of.  He has also displayed power play ability. I am high on Hronek because as a defensive player Filip has the patience to wait for a shot.  His stick work is outstanding, and he tends to get away from the forecheck.

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Another aspect of his game that should encourage Detroit Red Wings fans is his speed. Not only speed but side to side he is quick. Two things are a drawback of sorts. First his weight. 178 lbs. Hronek must put on more weight to deal with the game to game grind in the NHL.  He must also get stronger, but that can come with games played.

With a high probability, Niklas Kronwall is about to enter his final season.  Filip Hronek could learn a lot from Kronwall as a mentor.  Many expect Hronek to develop into a top-four defenseman. That would go a long way in aiding a unit that is in need.

Fans like to point out that the Detroit Red Wings defensive prospects are a little on the short side. Can we please move past this? The NHL is trending towards quicker, faster puck moving defensemen. If a player can play it does not matter what their size is.

I do not feel Filip Hronek would benefit from another season in Grand Rapids. He now needs NHL ice time. With Niklas Kronwall possibly having fewer minutes. It is time to give Hronek his opportunity to show he is ready to be the next great defensive player and carry the torch through the rebuild.