The Wings Nation Top 20 Prospects: #17 Filip Hronek

While the Czech Republic pipeline of players has been slowing down the last decade or so, it still isn’t quite dead. They still produce talent that can compare to any other nation. Names like Jakub Voracek and David Pastrnak immediately come to mind when thinking about their development. Do the Red Wings have a winner in Filip Hronek?

I touched on Hronek’s numbers when I wrote his draft preview last month. He dominated the Czech junior league, but that is a lot like winning a hot dog eating contest at the county fair. Even if you’re the best guy around, there’s often not a lot of competition. 

Anytime a player can go for above a point per game in any league, no matter the validity, you have to be happy with it. It is also very encouraging to see that this wasn’t just one season where Hronek dominated. He had himself a string of good seasons leading up to his draft year. Don’t sleep on him just yet.

His development path is going to be fascinating to monitor. He could stay over in the Czech Republic and play in the pro league or he can play in the OHL. The Saginaw Spirit selected Hronek with the 16th pick in the first round of the CHL Import Draft. Normally, CHL teams don’t select a player unless they think they can come over here and play ASAP. 

From Helene St. James’ Story at the Detroit Free Press:

If he does end up going back to Europe, it doesn’t really matter either way, as he has proven his worth whenever a team has taken a chance on him. I think Hronek will end up much higher on this list come next year.

It was also announced today that Hronek signed a standard three-year entry level contract.