Kronwall (knee) is not expected to play in Thursday's season opener in Tampa Bay, the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kronwall's nagging knee injury has team brass concerned, both in the short- and long-term. He's been dealing with the issue since last January. This all but assures Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul will be available with the parent club Thursday, and Kronwall could ultimately end up on injured reserve.