There are plenty of NHL rumours for Wednesday, March 6th, 2019. Today’s focus is on the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars. Certain players are deciding their futures. However, the Blackhawks have to decide what the future looks like for two of their players.
Niklas Kronwall May Call It Quits
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News is reporting that Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is uncertain about his playing future in the NHL. When teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets came calling at this year’s NHL Trade Deadline, Kronwall was flattered but ultimately chose not to leave Detroit. He said about his conversation with general manager Ken Holland, “I told him this means – this is more to me than just hockey – being part of the Red Wings for all these years. It’s something few people get the chance to be part of and I’m extremely grateful for that chance.”
That said, Kronwall isn’t sure if he’s got another season left in him after this one. Kronwall didn’t offer much about his future. However, he said, “We’ll sit down after the year and go from there,”
What Will the Blackhawks Do With Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome?
Dylan Strome and Alex DeBrincat aren’t restricted free agents for at least one more season. But, the Blackhawks are already trying to figure out the best course of action for dealing with their potential contract extensions.
As John Dietz of the Daily Herald notes, both Strome and Alex DeBrincat can be signed as early as July. The team is very confident in DeBrincat. However, they aren’t really sure what they have in Strome yet. Strome struggled in Arizona but has been a godsend in Chicago. It’s likely his long-term production will fall somewhere in between.
As of now, it appears the team will wait and see if Strome and DeBrincat can continue their chemistry into next season.
Zuccarello Will Let Things Play Out
Mike Heika of NHL.com is reporting that pending free agent forward Mats Zuccarello will not make an immediate decision on his status for next season. Even though the Stars appear to want him back. When asked if he’s thought about his future by the media, he responded, “Not as much as you probably have.”
It appears as though Zuccarello will see how the rest of the season goes in Dallas. Then, weigh his options on free agency and then make his decision. “I’m just excited to be here right now,” Zuccarello said. He wants to focus on getting healthy. This is after breaking his arm in the first game he played as a Dallas Stars forward.
Main Photo: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 12: Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates his second goal of the game with Patrick Kane #88, who had the assist, against the Vegas Golden Knights at the United Center on January 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
