Kronwalled

Nicklas Kronwall

There is a lot to like about Mr. Kronwall. He is a fantastic skater, big-time hitter, decent defensively, and always a threat in the offensive zone. This is his year to step up and become a top pairing defenseman.

Red Wing fans all know what they have in Kronwall. Other teams fear his game-changing abilities. He loves to jump into the slot and deliver a lethal wrister, usually shelving it right in the corner just above the goaltenders glove. He likes to sneak up as the opposing team is breaking out and right when the winger hits the blue line, he slides in for an absolutely lethal, brain scrambling body check. It's become a signature of sorts.

He has been a really solid defenseman since entering the league and consistently shown elite skills with and without the puck. It's only a matter of time before people start looking to little Nick to the lead the way.

Kronwall may not end up being that established, Norris contending , number 1 d man that everyone wants him to be, but with the right pieces on the back end he can be a great 1A/1B type.

Kronwall's last 4 seasons:

07-08 - GP 65, G 7, A 28, Pts 35, +25
08-09 - GP 80, G 6, A 45, Pts 51, +2
09-10 - GP 48, G 7, A 15, Pts 22, +5
10-11 - GP 77, G 11, A 26, Pts 37, +5

He has been up and down just looking directly at points. But they obviously don't ever tell the whole picture, especially for defenseman. Kronwall has really stepped up his defensive game since entering the league. He led all defenseman last seasons for the Wings in Shifts per Game, which tells you how much trust he has with the coaching staff. During the playoffs he proved to be, dare I say this with the legendary Nick Lidstrom on our team, our best player on the back end. He helped turn the tide with gigantic hits on Clowe and Heatley. Kronwall, in my opinion, has already begun stepping into that 1A/1B role. Health is always the big concern though, can he play a full season?

2011-12 Predictions: 
82 GP
13 G
40 A
53 P



 A big year for the talented blue-liner. It also conveniently comes on a contract year. He posts a career high in points while staying healthy through an entire hockey season, leaving the injuries behind him. He reminds me of Datsyuk, injured throughout several playoffs, before being healthy and breaking out to the hockey world last spring. I have a feeling Kronwall will do the same.

Kronwalled! This video is always good for a laugh or two, enjoy!


Here is a list of the past Predictions:
Ericsson
Datsyuk
Holmstrom
Hudler
Franzen
Bertuzzi
Red Wings Season Prediction