Hronek didn't need much time to become a go-to defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit selected the native of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, in the second round (No. 53) of the 2016 NHL Draft following his first season in the Czech Extraliga. He signed an entry-level contract July 14, 2016 and came to North America, playing with Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League in 2016-17 and then Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League after his junior season ended.

Hronek made his NHL debut with the Red Wings against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 4, 2018, and he scored his first goal nine days later against the Boston Bruins. He split the season between the Red Wings and Grand Rapids, finishing with 23 points (five goals, 18 assists) in 46 games with the Red Wings.

After the Red Wings failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hronek played for the Czech Republic at the 2019 IIHF World Championship and was named the tournament's best defenseman.

Hronek built on that performance in 2019-20. He scored nine goals in 65 games, finished the season with 31 points and led the Red Wings in average ice time with 23:54 per game, proving he can play in all situations.

On Dec. 6, 2022, Hronek became the first player in Red Wings history with a point in each of the team's first 11 road games of a season, breaking Sergei Fedorov's record of 10 set in 1993-94. He led Detroit defensemen in most offensive categories before he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on March 1, 2023, for a conditional first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• AHL All-Rookie Team (2018)
• Traded to Vancouver by Detroit with a 4th-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft for a conditional pick in 2023 and a 2nd-round pick in 2023, March 1, 2023.