DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings used their first draft pick in the new century on an undersized, mobile, puck-moving defenseman from Sweden.
Niklas Kronwall broke into the NHL full-time in 2005-06 and has been an impact defender with his skills and penchant for open-ice hits.
At age 37 and with much wear and tear on a chronically bad knee, Kronwall's career is nearing the end. Next season likely will be his last.
Kronwall expects to maintain his regular spot in the lineup while the rebuilding Red Wings transition to youth. He's looking forward to mentoring a young defenseman, whether it's Filip Hronek or Joe Hicketts, or perhaps Libor Sulak or Dennis Cholowski.