The Free Press’s Helene St. James continues examining the Red Wings’ past 5 drafts with a discussion of the team’s 2016 draft picks. I would suggest that it’s a little early to pass judgment on the Wings’ picks, but kudos to St. James for trying:
D Filip Hronek
Drafted: 53rd.
Draft year doings: Four assists in 40 games with Hradec Kralove in the Czech Extraliga, which is the country’s top hockey league.
Draft day scouting report: On the smaller side, but good skater. Competitive and strong with the puck. Scouts were excited about his upside, and character.
Post-draft doings: Had 14 goals and 47 assists for 61 points in 59 games in 2016-17 with Saginaw (Ontario Hockey League), tying him for fourth among OHL defensemen in scoring. Joined Grand Rapids in spring of 2017 and had two points in 10 games, and made two appearances in the AHL playoffs.
Had 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points in 67 games with the Griffins in 2017-18, second among AHL rookie defensemen in scoring. Ran one of the power-play units. Had one goal and two assists for the Czechs at the 2018 World Championship.
Next-season doings: Hronek is a candidate to push for a job with the Wings in 2017-18.
Draft assessment: Looks promising.
It’s amazing what a year does.
Last year, the tears flowed for players who didn’t gain weight, especially smaller defensemen. Hronek and Cholowski didnt do enough bee boo hee boo. You know, in the middle of their seasons.
And here’s Hronek flying up, many fans clamouring for him to get a shot at the big club and Cholo doing very well on two different teams.
If those guys can be even top 4, then Larsson pans out as even an average starter, that would be a good draft for this team. Not great, but good. Then there is Givani if he can stick on the big club.