Niklas Kronwall could return Wednesday

It was less than a week ago when Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall was stretchered off of the ice.

He was crunched from behind by Colorado Avalanche forward Cody McLeod. Kronwall suffered a mild concussion and missed Saturday’s game vs. Phoenix. On Monday he will miss his second straight game when Detroit faces the red-hot San Jose Sharks. He could return to the lineup Wednesday barring any setbacks says Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland. 

Monitor his status today, because he should participate in the gameday skate this morning. Kronwall had not missed a game in the previous two seasons and has made a speedy recovery from what was a scary incident last Thursday. He is a durable defenseman on a great Red Wings offence, get him back into your lineup as soon as he returns.

Kronwall had one of his best statistical seasons last year, posting five goals and 24 assists (29 points) in 48 games. That would have had him on pace for 49 points in 82 games, his career high is 51 points in 2008-09. The 32-year-old Swedish D-man already has one goal and five assists (six points) in eight games this season.

Editors Note: Cody McLeod is set to have an in-person hearing today as a result of the hit on Kronwall. He will serve some sort of suspension for sure.