ESPN’s Sean Allen penned an article discussing fantasy hockey players to pick up after the trade deadline, and Allen suggests that poolies may want to take a look at a superbly-performing Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman, should the Wings trade both Mike Green and Trevor Daley:
Filip Hronek, D, Detroit Red Wings
With Mike Green on the block and Trevor Daley also coveted for locker room presence by playoff teams, the Red Wings’ blue line could be getting thin next week. While Niklas Kronwall is playing plenty of power-play time, too, he’s not ideal in that role. In the meantime, the Red Wings have a 20-year-old Czech defenseman in the AHL who has been honing his North American game for the better part of two seasons. He finished fourth in the OHL in scoring last season and is second among rookie AHL blueliners this season. No matter what happens, the Red Wings will still have a potent forward group on the power play after the deadline and there will be an opportunity for Hronek to make a splash if he gets the call.
Allen continues, and here’s what he says about Petr Mrazek:
Petr Mrazek, G, Detroit Red Wings (up 22 spots to No. 174)
Whether he’s tending twine for the Wings, Flyers or someone else next week, Mrazek has some of his swagger back. Even accounting for that ugly seven-goal blowout against the Islanders on Feb. 9, Mrazek is seventh in the NHL for GAA and save percentage since Jan. 1 (at least 10 starts). He should be on fantasy rosters ahead of a potential move to a contender, but should even pay dividends if he stays with Detroit.
