Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall officially decided to call it a career on this date in 2019. He left the game ranked third all-time in team history in games played by a defenseman and fourth in points in franchise history.
He was clearly emotional during his announcement as he reflected on the 17 years he spent donning the Winged Wheel.
Kronwall now serves as an advisor to GM Steve Yzerman, who had this to say upon the defenseman’s retirement:
“It was evident from his first season what a special player and person he would become,” Yzerman said in a statement. “He was among the NHL’s best two-way defensemen of his era and will go down as one of the greatest at his position in Red Wings history.
“Niklas has a sharp hockey mind and is highly respected in the hockey world. He has the makeup and work ethic of someone who will have a very successful career in management, and I am thrilled that he will remain with the franchise on the hockey operations staff.”
– – Quotes via Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News Link – –
