Trade Discussion: Should Detroit trade Filip Hronek?

Mar 12, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Filip Hronek (17) during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching with a 3:00 PM ET deadline on Monday.  So far, Detroit General Manager Steve Yzerman is holding on tight to players in the hope of getting the best deals possible for his players.  According to many news outlets, the only players safe are Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.

Here is a look at why Filip Hronek should be dealt by the Red Wings.

Good Right Defensemen are Difficult to Find

With Filip Hronek a right-shot defenseman, his value at the deadline is at it’s highest.  The Red Wings can literally ask for the moon and get it.  During the Mike Babcock era, the Red Wings were always short on RD.  Many times, Babcock had two LD on the ice at the same time.

With the demands of playoff hockey, teams looking to make a long playoff run need to have depth at the defense position.  With Detroit having Moritz Seider, Troy Stecher, and Gustav Lindstrom as RH defensemen on their current roster, Hronek is disposable.

Based on the current market value of defensemen, Detroit could likely receive at least a 1st round pick and a top prospect for Hronek.  Not bad for a player who was origianlly drafted in the 2nd round.  In all likelihood, Yzerman might even get a 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd round pick, plus a prospect for Hronek.

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Hronek has an afforadable contract

Even for teams tight against the cap, Filip Hronek has a contract that can be traded.  Hronek currently makes $4.4M annually.  He also has a contract at that rate for two more years after this season.  In order to make a trade for Hronek, Detroit will likely have to take on half of his salary for the remainder of this year.  By taking on salary, the Red Wings can ask for more than the going rate for a player with extra years reamaining on his contract.

Not only does Hronek have a contract that runs through the 2024 season, he will only be a RFA at the end of his current deal.  Whatever team trades for Hronek will have him under team control through the remainder of this contract and one additional contract.  That’s great bargaining power for Yzerman!!!

Power Play Specialist

Last year, Filip Hronek led the Detroit Red Wings in scoring.  Believe it or not, with 26 points in 56 games, Hronek led the Red Wings last year.  He also tallied 11 of his 26 points on the PP.

This year, Hronek is 2nd in defense scoring with Detroit, behind rookie sensation Moritz Seider.  In the same 56 games this year, Hronek has scored 29 points with six being scored on the PP.

For his career, Hronek has played 223 games, has scored 109 points, with 32 being scored on the PP.

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Despite the fact that Filip Hronek is very good offensively, he exhibits difficulties on the defensive side of the puck.  In early December, it was so bad, Nick Leddy was taken away from promising rookie Moritz Seider and placed on the 2nd defense pair with Hronek.  This was done to settle Hronek down because he was on the ice for so many goals scored against.  From December 10-16, Hronek was -7 including a -4 game against Colorado.

For the season, Hronek is currently -20, one of the worst on the Red Wings.  Last year, Hronek was -18.  In the Covid-19 shortened season of 2019-2020, Hronek was a miserable -38.

For his career, Hronek is a combined -86 in 223 games.  No matter how good a player is offensively, a team that wins championships needs defensement that know how to play in their own end without the puck.

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