I kinda got at this in my original post that opened up this whole can of worms, but I think Hronek is a defenseman who looks better than he actually is. He clearly has a lot of good "tools" but despite that his on-ice results just aren't there, and haven't really ever been.

Just decisions he seems to make -- taking shots from downtown instead of using the space he has, making bad pinches, laying down constantly to defend odd man rushes instead of staying on his feet and using the stick, etc. -- are just often very questionable in my opinion.

How much of that is coaching and how much of that is poor hockey awareness? I'm sure it's a little of both but ultimately I don't think Hronek really has it in him to ever be a good first pair D at the NHL level.
- Sven22

You're a smart guy, Sven. Very observant, as are most of the contributors here. We all agree that Blash is NOT the coach of the future; that's a given. But, considering all of the areas that the Wings have issues in, and given Blah's inability to get the most out of his payers; could a good coach get more out of Hronek? Consider someone like Gallant, or Lambert; Guys who've actually played and done WELL v. some college goalie who never sniffed the professional ranks for significant time, and can't tell his ass from the 9th hole.

I just don't want to give up on him given the lack of ability of the coaching staff....I think he's good. Is he a NHL #1? For Detroit? YES, he is. And his cap is only limited by his ability to learn and grow under a good coach.

I guess I'm just cautious about throwing the baby out with the bathwater, ya know?

I know that we're going to need to absorb some pain on the trade/UFA front, maybe Mantha goes (that'll suck but I see the point that so many here have made.....and the dude does take it easy way too often - I'm seeing the light), But I'd be hesitant to give up on Hronek.

I dunno, maybe I'm too hopeful for him.

CHEERS!

You're a smart guy, Sven. Very observant, as are most of the contributors here. We all agree that Blash is NOT the coach of the future; that's a given. But, considering all of the areas that the Wings have issues in, and given Blah's inability to get the most out of his payers; could a good coach get more out of Hronek? Consider someone like Gallant, or Lambert; Guys who've actually played and done WELL v. some college goalie who never sniffed the professional ranks for significant time, and can't tell his ass from the 9th hole.

I just don't want to give up on him given the lack of ability of the coaching staff....I think he's good. Is he a NHL #1? For Detroit? YES, he is. And his cap is only limited by his ability to learn and grow under a good coach.

I guess I'm just cautious about throwing the baby out with the bathwater, ya know?

I know that we're going to need to absorb some pain on the trade/UFA front, maybe Mantha goes (that'll suck but I see the point that so many here have made.....and the dude does take it easy way too often - I'm seeing the light), But I'd be hesitant to give up on Hronek.

I dunno, maybe I'm too hopeful for him.

CHEERS!
- mcmastermike1968

What team did Jon Cooper play for?

I don’t think anyone is giving up on Hronek. I think it’s more just time to accept that he isn’t really anything special. He might just be an all the tools but no toolbox kind of guy.

Like Sven said I don’t think you can blame Blashill for Hroneks poor decision making. That’s kind of just hockey IQ. Once the team is better and he has the opportunity to be slotted in a more appropriate role he should be fine.

What team did Jon Cooper play for?

I don’t think anyone is giving up on Hronek. I think it’s more just time to accept that he isn’t really anything special. He might just be an all the tools but no toolbox kind of guy.

Like Sven said I don’t think you can blame Blashill for Hroneks poor decision making. That’s kind of just hockey IQ. Once the team is better and he has the opportunity to be slotted in a more appropriate role he should be fine.
- Feds91Stammer

Valid point. I know there are some glaring shortcomings on this team, D being one of the biggest. I just don't see a way to fill those gaps with anything serviceable other than drafting well, the maturation & hope process, and MAYBE a UFA signing who wants to take a chance on a very under-performing team.

Valid point. I know there are some glaring shortcomings on this team, D being one of the biggest. I just don't see a way to fill those gaps with anything serviceable other than drafting well, the maturation & hope process, and MAYBE a UFA signing who wants to take a chance on a very under-performing team.
- mcmastermike1968

Oh for sure. It will take time but just look at Tampa. Hedman was the only D there that Yzerman had when he took over. All the other guys are trades and drafting. Yzerman will continue to pick up stop gaps on short term deals that help the inch closer and closer to being a competitive team while he builds his master plan through the draft and a few trades.

A prime example of Yzerman and his asset management.

Conacher and a 4th for Bishop. (Lightning fans were pissed)

A solid 3.5 seasons from Bishop and he gets moved as a rental for Cernak who looks like a solid 2nd pair RHD.

Oh for sure. It will take time but just look at Tampa. Hedman was the only D there that Yzerman had when he took over. All the other guys are trades and drafting. Yzerman will continue to pick up stop gaps on short term deals that help the inch closer and closer to being a competitive team while he builds his master plan through the draft and a few trades.

A prime example of Yzerman and his asset management.

Conacher and a 4th for Bishop. (Lightning fans were pissed)

A solid 3.5 seasons from Bishop and he gets moved as a rental for Cernak who looks like a solid 2nd pair RHD.
- Feds91Stammer

I am sure Stevie will piss off some fans while trading for the future. I am all for it! Good bye Mantha, Glenny, Ryan and possibly Nemeth. I like them all, but they may be sacrificed for a better tomorrow!

Just curious:
Would trading Mantha for Forsberg be an option? I would guess that it won't happen for Detroit because there probably will be a contender that will over pay for him...but Mantha and a 2nd or 3rd would be worth it!

Just curious:
Would trading Mantha for Forsberg be an option? I would guess that it won't happen for Detroit because there probably will be a contender that will over pay for him...but Mantha and a 2nd or 3rd would be worth it!
- HenryHockey

Mantha is under contract control for longer so for a team like Detroit that’s more valuable. See no reason why Forsberg would re-sign with the wings.

Mantha is under contract control for longer so for a team like Detroit that’s more valuable. See no reason why Forsberg would re-sign with the wings.
- Feds91Stammer

Forsberg does had one more year. But being a FA in 2022 at 28yo could command a $9M AAV for Forsberg.

Raz, Svetch, Brome, in tonight...Larkin and Fabbri-injured, Franz to Taxi