It could be Kronwall’s last season in the NHL
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: The 37-year old Niklas Kronwall knows this season could be his last in the NHL. His seven-year deal is up after this season and there hasn’t been any talks about a contract extension, and he has a hard time seeing himself wearing a different jersey.
“If this happens to be the end of the road, I would be more than happy with the journey that I’ve had and more than thankful to the Ilitch family and (general manager) Kenny Holland for giving me the opportunity that I have for being able to be with the same team for my entire career,” Kronwall, a veteran of 14 NHL seasons, said this week during the NHL European Player Media Tour. “We’ll see what happens.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in Detroit all these years and I have a tough time seeing myself in a different jersey.”
Kronwall adds that he’d “love to sign another year” the Red Wings are getting younger, the league is getting faster, he’s getting older and that he isn’t the same player he was ten years ago.
Youngsters could force some change on the Red Wings blue line
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Detroit Red Wings re-signed Mike Green earlier this offseason to a two-year deal. Green’s name had been in the trade rumors leading up to the trade deadline last February.
The Red Wings blue line is getting older and they’ve had issues with getting the puck out of their zone. Green was retained to help mentor some of their up and coming prospects if they can win a roster spot in camp. Coach Jeff Blashill:
“There are guys certainly who have put themselves in positions to potentially win jobs. Filip Hronek, Sulak, Cholowski, Hicketts — all those guys have put themselves in position to win jobs.
“Now come to camp, and win a job.”
The Red Wings top-six could include Trevor Daley (age 34), Danny DeKeyser (28), Jonathan Ericsson (34), Green (32), Nick Jensen (27) and Niklas Kronwall (37).
GM Ken Holland admits their blue line is old and that they haven’t done a good job drafting. Holland added that if two young defensemen are able to make the team, they could carry eight to start the season.
If two make the team, the Red Wings could also look at trading Nick Jensen.
Trevor Daley has two years left on his deal and they could look to move him at the deadline.