Red Wings Stock Index: High Value After Buying Low

The Detroit Red Wings are riding a four-game winning streak and getting value based output from a variety of players. Need more be said for Filip Hronek, who is playing at a historical pace for the Red Wings right now?

Goals in each of his past four games and points in each of his past six (5-4—9) for the @DetroitRedWings. There's no stopping Filip Hronek right now. #NHLStats: https://t.co/5B3KyupAjM pic.twitter.com/QPQZrsBqtG

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 26, 2022

Today’s version of the Stock Index looks at the deals made in the offseason that have truly paid off. It’s broken down with one player per position and with one of each acquired through the draft, free agency, and trade.

Filip Hronek – $4.4M Cap Hit; 2 Years Remaining

How Acquired: 2016 Draft Pick – 53rd overall
Current Season – 20 Games (6-12-18)
Last Season – 78 Games; (5-33-38)
Cap Hit by Percentage: 5.3% (via CapFriendly)

When signed, it made a lot of sense as Hronek was only 23 years old, was easily Detroit’s best defenseman, and appeared to be a stalwart for years to come.

Then the 2021-22 season happened, and there were whispers that Hronek might not be long in Detroit. The contract itself was seen as perhaps too much.

Not anymore.

Hronek is nearly at a point-per-game, absolutely tearing it up with six goals in his last six games, his production helping nudge Detroit along on its four-game winning streak. He’s third on the team in points, and tied for third in goals. He’s Detroit’s top scoring defenseman…by a wide margin.

Lucas Raymond said Friday night that the league is witnessing what many, especially his teammates, had known for some time.

“It’s like everything he shoots is going in,” Raymond said.  “Everyone knows he has a great shot. He’s been getting it off now and I guess everyone is seeing it now.”

Hronek deflected and is more pleased everyone is winning as a team.

“I’m confident but it’s more about I’m feeling that our team is better and everything is going well for us right now,”
Hronek said.

Everyone will really be feeling better if his torrid streak keeps up.

Dominik Kubalik – $2.5M Cap Hit – 2 Years Remaining

How Acquired: Free Agent (2022)
This Season So Far: 20 Games (9-12-21)
Last Season with Chicago: 78 Games (15-17-32)
Cap Hit by Percentage: 3% (via CapFriendly)

Kubalik was not pursued by the Chicago Blackhawks, opting to be cut loose by his former team when he wasn’t tendered a qualifying offer. When he signed with Detroit, Kubalik ended up taking $1.2M less than his previous contract. Of the 43.7% of cap money tied into forwards, Kubalik accounts for just 3% of it. Of the active six forwards who cost more by percentage, only captain Dylan Larkin has more points.

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Chalk up another win for general manager Steve Yzerman.

Kubalik is second on the team in goals and second in points behind captain Dylan Larkin. His value has been seen most on the power play, which is in line with David Perron, who is also a high value player. But Kubalik has been a constant offensive threat for Detroit, giving them a boost at even strength (5-6-11) and on the man advantage (4-6-10).

Ville Husso – $4.75M Cap Hit – 3 Years Remaining

How Acquired: Trade with St. Louis (73rd overall pick in 2022 NHL Draft)
This Season So Far: 14 Games (9-2-3) .919 Save %; 3 shutouts
Last Season with St. Louis: 38 Games (25-7-6) .919 Save %; 2 shutouts
Cap Hit by Percentage: 5.8% (via CapFriendly)

He’s a fan favorite already, his name chanted after every big save. Husso has bailed the team out several times this season, as recently as the 3-0 victory over Nashville this past Wednesday.

It stands to say that the value here is what little Detroit gave up for a talent in Husso. They surrendered but a third round pick to St. Louis and have seen the dividends pay off immediately. Not only has Husso stolen some games for the Red Wings, but Detroit all but stole him from St. Louis.

Charts courtesy of Evolving-Hockey

Though his contract is nearly six percent of Detroit’s cap room, it’s how they acquired him that drives the value. Beyond that, he’s among the top goalies in the league. Husso is sixth in the league with a goals saved above average of 5.50.