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Detroit Red Wings: Evaluating Niklas Kronwall’s future

By Tyler Samson

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 22: Niklas Kronwall #55 of the Detroit Red Wings hammers into Martin Havlat #24 of the Chicago Blackhawks which knocks him cold during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 22, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 22: Niklas Kronwall #55 of the Detroit Red Wings hammers into Martin Havlat #24 of the Chicago Blackhawks which knocks him cold during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 22, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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On July 1st, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is bound to be an unrestricted free agent, but his NHL future is still unclear.

Ever since Niklas Kronwall joined the Detroit Red Wings in the 2003-04 season he has been a leader and reliable defenseman. Now at 38 years old and finished with his contract with Detroit, Kronwall’s career is coming to an end, but he is not ruling out the possibility of playing another season in the NHL.

In 953 NHL games played (all with the Red Wings), he has 83 goals, 349 assists and 564 penalty minutes. Kronwall’s 953 games played have been compiled in 15 NHL seasons. He won a Stanley Cup in 2008.

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After completing his seven-year, $33.25 million contract with the Red Wings at the end of the 2018-19 season, Kronwall is faced with a big decision. With Steve Yzerman as the new general manager for Detroit, it is likely that he is moving forward with a fresh team and young players. Since the Red Wings are going a different direction, it is likely they will not retain Kronwall.

He has spent his whole career in Detroit and did not want to be traded at the trade deadline this season, showing his loyalty to the Wings. Although Kronwall wants to be a Red Wing going into next season, the feeling does not seem to be mutual with management.

This offseason, the veteran of 15 seasons will have to decide if he wants to retire or keep playing. If he continues to play, Kronwall would be serviceable to a Stanley Cup contending team that is looking for a physical and veteran defenseman.

Only 47 games short of 1,000 regular season games played in the NHL, playing another season to reach that milestone and have the chance to win the Stanley Cup again could fuel him to play one more season.

There is no doubt that Niklas Kronwall is a Red Wings great, but the team is moving in a direction in which does not require the services of Kronwall.

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If he chooses to retire he has played 15 great NHL seasons and should be proud. However, if he continues to play he will be adding on to his legacy.  This offseason will certainly be a crucial one for Kronwall and the Red Wings.

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