Detroit Red Wings: Niklas Kronwall doesn’t need a “C” to lead

Niklas Kronwall is set to be the Detroit Red Wings acting captain.  Kronwall doesn’t need a “C” on his chest to be the “captain” of the Red Wings. Kronwall is the only remaining regular from the 2008 Stanley Cup title.

Niklas Kronwall is set to lead the Detroit Red Wings during his final NHL season.  With the career-ending back injury to his countryman and friend Henrik Zetterberg, the unfortunate circumstance leaves Kronwall as the guy everyone can count on to answer the tough questions.

Henrik Zetterberg often sat in front of his locker after games and answered questions.  Through the good times and the bad Hank would be available.  Niklas Kronwall will be that guy for the Detroit Red Wings this season.

Ken Holland recently mentioned he and the staff need to discuss if they will go with three ‘A’s or name a captain.  If they do name a captain it will be Nick Kronwall for the season.  It would be almost a tribute to him for all his work and success over the years.  Kronner has been a fantastic Red Wing.  I don’t expect to see a captain for the Wings this season.

Kronwall will face the media on the good days and the bad, and we expect more bad days this season than good.  It will be a good thing to have a savvy veteran there to answer during the ugly times throughout the season.  It takes the pressure off of a kid like Dylan Larkin.  Larkin will have a year or two before he is the one speaking on behalf of the franchise.

Niklas Kronwall is not nearly as active as he once was, but leadership and accountability are traits that get better with age and experience.   Kronner says he was able to work out all summer this year without any setbacks.  The knee has held up for now.

Kronwall has limited mobility these days, but he can still be a serviceable third pair defender.  If Jeff Blashill and the Detroit Red Wings can keep Kronner around 17 minutes a night, he should remain productive on the back-end.

Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News caught up with Kronwall and asked him about players stepping up in the absence of Zetterberg;

"“I don’t think it works like that,” he said, when asked if he will change anything to help fill the void. “I think you are who you are. You don’t try to be someone you’re not.“I think I’m just going to be who I am, and I’m hoping the guys can do the same.”If he is hoping, it is likely the guys will try to remain unaffected in response to Zetterberg’s franchise buffeting departure.“Sure, there’ll be some of the guys that maybe feel that they can take more room in there, step up and say things when they need to,”“But, I think that it’s going to come down to hard work, and we’re going to have to do it together.”"

Niklas Kronwall won’t have to change how he does things.  Kronner is known to be a much more vocal personality than Henrik Zetterberg.  Hank use to lead by example, and of course when something needs to be said he would.   Kronner has no issue doing either, but he is known to have a few choice words for his teammates in the locker room after games and in between periods.

Kronner may find himself playing with Libor Sulak or Dennis Cholowski this season.  It would make sense in a couple of different ways.  Kronner would be a solid mentor to these youngsters, and his mobility is not his strong suit anymore.

Both of these young defenders are above average skaters.  Kronwall is smart and not a risk taker.  He would not leave these kids on an island.  These kids should take as much away from Kronwall as they can this season.  If this is indeed Kronwall’s final year, the kids can learn a lot from their leader.