Detroit Red Wings re-sign Niklas Kronwall to seven-year, $33.25 million extension -NHL News Update
In order to keep veteran defenseman, Niklas Kronwall, on the line-up, the Detroit Red Wings management agreed with the 30-year-old to a seven-year contract extension, worth an estimated, $33.25 million, which will be keeping him well through the 2018-2019
National Hockey League (NHL) regular season.
Detroit Red Wings general manager, Ken Holland, made the announcement on Monday night, October 31, 2011, which allowed him to tick on to-do things off his list and divert his attention to other important aspects of his franchise.
"He could've been an unrestricted free agent that we couldn't have truly replaced", Holland said. "He wanted to be here and we really wanted him to stay. We've known him since he was 18 years old and we know what he brings to the table physically and mentally".
This season, Kronwall is serving as the teams’ assistant captain behind Nicklas Lidstrom, who is expected to announce his retirement sometime next year after the regular and postseason conclude, putting much more responsibility on the Swedish defender.
Keeping Kronwall on the club was a top priority decision for GM Holland due to his dynamic playing abilities, making him virtually irreplaceable.
"He can play physical, he can help on the power play and you can put him in any situation", Holland said. "If you look around, you can't find too many defensemen that can do that. We're really glad he's not going to be on the market for another team".
Kronwall’s new salary is significantly increased by $1.75 million from his current cap hit of $3 million. He will also get a $1.25 million signing bonus and will be paid in different figures throughout his season with an annual cap hit of $4.75 million.
Drafted as the 29th overall pick during the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Niklas Kronwall, has been on the Detroit line-up ever since his first major league appearance with the Red Wings during the 2003-2004 season.
In total, Kronwall boasts a record of 394 games played, 183 points (35 goals, 148 assists) registered and 262 minutes in penalty time.
Detroit hopes to keep the veteran defender on the team and continue using him for his valuable contribution when needed.
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