When the 2018-19 Detroit Red Wings season kicked off, defenseman Filip Hronek was pressed into action because of a rash of injuries. Circumstances beyond his control saw Hronek being called up from Grand Rapids. This time Filip was ready.
Detroit Red Wings prospect Filip Hronek is in the midst a nice little roll. In the past three games, Hronek has 3 points and averaging over 20 minutes of ice time. This second chance has found Filip Hronek ready to answer the bell as the young defender, and he certainly looks more comfortable this time.
The Detroit Red Wings have put trust in Filip as he has manned the point on one of the power play units. He has upside offensively as he showed when he crashed the net vs. Washington for a tip-in goal.
Hronek’s defensive game has come along as he now keeps the play in front of him. He is showing why so many in the organization are high on him. His penalty kill is still a work in progress. Giving his hard work, it is safe to say he will get there. The Red Wings will provide him with opportunities here and there to help kill penalties.
While it is not known if Hronek will stick once Mike Green and Danny DeKeyser along with Trevor Daley return from injuries, however, it is becoming clear Filip Hronek will be a critical part of their future. There is also an outside possibility Nick Jensen of Daley gets moved at the trade deadline opening up a permanent spot for the young defender.
In Filip Hronek’s first stint it looked like he was trying to do too much while starting the season slowly. Then he was sent to Grand Rapids to find his game. It was in Grand Rapids Hronek began to work on the penalty kill, and found some positive results.
If he continues to grow his game Filip will be a real asset for a Detroit team desperate for young defensive players. It is nice to see him living up to his draft profile. His play as of late will make it hard for the Red Wings to send him back down.
Filip Hronek should be a slam-dunk to make the team out of training camp heading into next season. The growth he has shown is very encouraging.