The Detroit Red Wings are in the best shape they have been in. They have a lot of great young players brewing in the pipeline as well as many young stars in the NHL.
The Detroit Red Wings have a lot going for them. They have a ton of very talented players in every aspect of the game. Between Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Joe Veleno, Michael Rasmussen, and many other young players- there is obviously a lot to be excited about in the coming years. However, when we mention the young players on the Red Wings, we always seem to leave one name out- Filip Hronek.
Hronek, who is coming off a very good season with the Red Wings, has a lot going for him heading into the season. Being the first man up when Moritz Seider needs a break, he showed what he was capable of. But now the question should be what the Red Wings plan is with Hronek.
What Should the Red Wings Do About Filip Hronek?
What should the Red Wings do with Filip Hronek? As the rebuild is coming together, players on the roster are falling into the roles of core, placeholders and just-in-case depth, assets for future trade, or young players that we hope will comprise the future core. And then there is Filip Hronek.
Hronek is too old to be a prospect that will make up the future core of the team. But then you look at his age, and he is only 24 years old. In that, it’s hard to really figure out where he stands with this team? Is he the odd man out? I mean, he has been the best offensive defenseman on the team for the last two years. But he has not shown the ability to quarterback the powerplay.
He has been a defenseman paired against the opposition’s top offensive lines. But his defensive zone coverage is suspect. He does not seem to fit neatly into any role in the rebuild. With the four free-agent blue line signings, at least two NHL-ready blue line prospects, and several prospects on the way Hronek’s role is further in doubt. Does he fit with the team’s future at all?
Fans do not think so. Every fan-supported trade speculation tosses Hronek in as a sweetener, rarely even the primary piece in the wished-for blockbuster trade. Even casual fans see missed assignments, being overpowered below the goal line, abysmal plus/minus numbers, and lack of offensive production. Although maybe not the most important factor, it is hard to find a Hronek fan.