August is the quietest month in hockey, perfect for deeper looks at Detroit Red Wings players. Today’s focal point: Defenseman Niklas Kronwall.
Looking back: 2 goals, 11 assists, minus-7 in 57 games. Kronwall missed the first month of the season because of a knee problem. He has said the issue is not something that can be bettered via surgery, but really only can be addressed with therapy and workouts. Kronwall missed eight games mid-season, and often sat out practices. He seemed better later in the season, playing in 27 of the last 28 games, and while he clearly is hampered in his skating, his hockey smarts are intact.