Red Wings: Analyzing Every Defenseman in the Organization
By Chris Giles
Filip Hronek
Age: 23
Shoots: R
GP: 56
G: 2
A: 24
PTS: 26
Filip Hronek is currently Detroit’s top defenseman. A 2nd round selection from the 2016 draft, Hronek led the Red Wings in scoring during the shortened campaign. Currently an RFA, Hronek will receive a significant raise in salary and will be heavily counted on as the re-build continues.
Danny DeKeyser
Age: 31
Shoots: L
GP: 47
G: 4
A: 8
PTS: 12
Signed as a free agent out of Western Michigan (NCAA), Danny DeKeyser just finished his 10th season, all with Detroit. General Manager Steve Yzerman will have to decide whether to protect DeKeyser or leave him unprotected for the Seattle Expansion Draft. DeKeyser has one year remaining on his current contract and then he can become a UFA.
Marc Staal
Age: 34
Shoots: L
GP: 56
G: 3
A: 7
PTS: 10
Marc Staal was traded by the New York Rangers to Detroit along with a 2021 2nd round draft pick. Detroit absorbed the remaining year on Staal’s contract and he will become an UFA. If Staal returns to Detroit for his 15th season in the NHL, it will be on a hometown discount.
Troy Stecher
Age: 27
Shoots: R
GP: 44
G: 3
A: 8
PTS: 11
Troy Stecher just completed his 6th season in the NHL. He was steady on the Detroit blue and just completed a very good World Championship helping Canada earn a gold medal playing with defense partner and consensus #1 pick Owen Power. Stecher has one year remaining on his current contract and then he can become a UFA.
Dennis Cholowski
Age: 23
Shoots: L
GP: 16
G: 1
A: 2
PTS: 3
Dennis Cholowski is a former 1st round selection for the Red Wings from 2016. Cholowski has yet to live up to his 1st round selection and may be left unprotected by Detroit for the Seattle Expansion Draft. Cholowski is currently a RFA and may end up in another organization as he is passed on the depth chart by newly acquired defensemen.
Gustav Lindstrom
Age: 22
Shoots: R
GP: 13
G: 0
A: 3
PTS: 3
Gustav Lindstrom is also vulnerable to being left unprotected for the Seattle Expansion Draft. Lindstrom has only played 29 games for Detroit during his entry-level contract. He is a RFA and if he is not selected by Seattle, Lindstrom may also find himself in another organization as Detroit improves their defense on the right side.
Alex Biega
Age: 33
Shoots: R
GP: 13
G: 0
A: 3
PTS: 3
It appears that Alex Biega’s time in Detroit has come to an end. He was used sparingly during the pandemic shortened season, and was shuffled back and forth between the taxi squad and the roster throughout the season. A UFA, if Biega wants to continue his career in the NHL, it will probably be with another organization.