After 14 seasons in the NHL, all with the Detroit Red Wings, 37-year-old Niklas Kronwall understands that his upcoming 15th year could also be his last. His contract, signed as a seven-year extension back in 2011, is set to expire at the end of the season, and it’s unclear if he’ll get another.
He also appears to be at peace with the fact, as he mentions to NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger.
“If this happens to be the end of the road, I would be more than happy with the journey that I've had and more than thankful to the Ilitch family and (general manager) Kenny Holland for giving me the opportunity that I have for being able to be with the same team for my entire career.” —Niklas Kronwall
Kronwall also expresses that he is more likely to retire than play for a different team, after having spent his entire career with the Red Wings.
Of course, fans will miss Kronwall’s signature open-ice hits — one of the most iconic plays in the NHL is Kronwall coming up from the blue line and “Kronwalling” an opponent player. Although (somewhat surprisingly) he never made an All-Star game, he did manage to secure a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008.
In 79 games last season, Kronwall produced 27 points including four goals, a modest improvement over past seasons in which he dealt with a lingering knee injury.
His teammates are still more than eager to poke some fun at old man Kronwall, however. Tomas Tatar even had the nerve to leave a cane at his locker!
h/t NHL.com
