What's the Red Wings Long-Term Plan with Filip Hronek?

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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.

Filip Hronek. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Option 1: Pre-Season Trade

Although many fans were disappointed that Hronek was not part of a draft-day trade or free agent-related move, there are still folks who believe that he should be moved to make room for upcoming defensive prospects. A pre-season trade is an option, yet pre-season and training camp trades are fairly rare in the NHL. The Red Wings are unlikely to receive full value for trading a top-four defenseman because teams would know the Wings are looking to unload Hronek after a so-so season. Selling while Hronek’s value is low is not usually a good strategy. Yzerman is not afraid to make big changes if a chance to improve the team arises, but I don’t see a big pre-season trade on the horizon. As much as many fans would like to clear Hronek from the 2022-2023 team, I doubt this will happen.

Option 2: Trade Deadline Move

Hronek could be turned into a nice return at the trade deadline. If Nick Leddy resulted in the 2nd round pick, then Hronek is worth far more. Also, all contending teams would like a solid right-handed shot offensive defenseman who is not afraid to play an abrasive game at times. The best scenario for this trade is that Hronek plays well, but clearly, Johansson and Edvinsson have surpassed Hronek as mainstays of the blue line. Yet, if that scenario plays out, then the Red Wings will be playoff contenders and are unlikely to be excited to trade one of their key defenders. Most likely, Hronek will stay on the team for at least the remaining two years of his contract.

Option 3: Part of the Core

Despite the fan skepticism, maybe Hronek is a part of the core of the Red Wings and will stay for many years. He has two seasons remaining on his $13.2 million three-year contract (4.5 million for 2021-2022, 5.5 million for 2022-2023; 4.4 million cap hit each year). Given the current situation, he is at least an even money chance of not only staying with the Red Wings for his current contract but signing a multi-year extension next year. He is a fine skater, strong outlet passer, and can provide offense. The issue is that for the last four seasons, he has never played in a role that suits his skill set. He is not a number one defenseman. He has played on a team with minimal talent. The team’s system revolved around conservative low-event hockey, which shines a harsh light on his defensive weaknesses. With a stronger supporting cast and a revamped system, Hronek may be placed in a situation that takes full advantage of his substantial skills. Finally, the team has few right-handed shots from the blue line, which makes him more valuable.

Filip Hronek. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Conclusion

This is the season that will determine which scenario plays out for Filip Hronek. Much of this is beyond his control. How will the free agents fit in? Will Chariot be effective as a left-side defenseman? Will the young players be so good that they demand ice time? Will the new coaching system play into his strengths? Hronek has not been a player who can drive a team (like Moritz Seider) with skill and will, but he is talented enough to blossom when surrounded by more talented teammates and playing in his comfort zone. Although he appears to have few fans, Filip Hronek can still develop into a valued core member of the Red Wings as they move toward becoming contenders.

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