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Atlantic Division: Each team’s top breakout candidate for 2019-20 season

By Cory Mello

SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 26: Members of the Atlantic Division team of the Eastern Conference pose for a team photo during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center on January 26, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 26: Members of the Atlantic Division team of the Eastern Conference pose for a team photo during the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center on January 26, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images /

Detroit Red Wings – Filip Hronek

If the 2019 IIHF World Championship was any indication of what is to come for Filip Hronek, the Detroit Red Wings should be very pleased. He put on a display at the IIHF Worlds’ being named the best defenseman in the tournament. Hronek was over a point-per-game with 11 points in 10 games.

Toward the tail end of the 2018-19 season, Hronek was the Red Wings’ best defenseman. On an already depleted blueline, he will look to build off the momentum he created for himself at the IIHF tournament. Playing for the Czech Republic, Hronek saw plenty of playing time, which saw him thrive under immense pressure.

The Red Wings are in dire need of defensive talent. Hronek has the ability to serve as a power-play quarterback with his accurate shooting and ability to create space. With Mike Green‘s injury woes and Niklas Kronwall possibly retiring from the NHL, he has a clear opportunity.

In a rookie season that only saw him play 46 games, Hronek averaged 19:58 TOI (total on ice). With a full season behind him, I see Hronek establishing himself on the Red Wings blue-line. With Hronek playing top-four minutes late in the 2018-19 season, Hronek will look to receive even more playing time than he has seen. If he is able to limit turnovers and break the puck out of his own zone, Hronek can easily break 35+ points.

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