OT: Henrik Zetterberg Officially Retiring
What was suspected is now confirmed. Henrik Zetterberg's back injury will bring an end to a great career.
1,082 games and 337 goals during his time with the Wings. Wish him all the best, and good health for the future. Thank you, Henrik.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:37 AM ^
To add: Now ESPN and other sources picking up on the story as well.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:39 AM ^
Hall of Famer.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^
Dude didn't miss a game the last 3 years, even with his back messed up. Much love and respect to him.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:43 AM ^
Thanks Henrik - you deserve the retirement! The last few years have been a big struggle, but he always gave everything he had. I hope the back injury doesn't leave him with chronic pain, although I'm sure it will.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:43 AM ^
No complaints about his career here. Feels like the true end of an era.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:58 AM ^
It certainly does. Datsyuk and Zetterberg were the young phenoms on what I would consider the last good Red Wings teams of their 20+ year reign at or near the top of the sport. This certainly feels like the last true link to that era. As sad as that is, it also makes me nostalgic. Kind of a mixed emotion for me.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:45 AM ^
Class Red Wing and class act!! Good luck Z!!!
September 14th, 2018 at 10:47 AM ^
He was old when my grandmother was a little girl.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:48 AM ^
Thank you Hank! It truly does feel like the end of a generation for Red Wings hockey.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^
Thanks Hank, the puck has been passed.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:52 AM ^
He'll join Franzen on LTIR. Wonder if Kronwall joins them at some point this season.
September 14th, 2018 at 2:40 PM ^
Man I hope so...then trade them to PHX for draft pics and let’s get going again with Stevie at the helm!
September 14th, 2018 at 4:17 PM ^
Yeah, that worked out so well with Datsyuk.
September 14th, 2018 at 10:58 AM ^
I'm gonna miss him!! Maybe our own Larkin will be captain?
September 14th, 2018 at 11:03 AM ^
One of my favorite all time players. Good luck Henrik!
September 14th, 2018 at 11:10 AM ^
I wonder who Stevie will bring in to replace him next year...
September 14th, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^
F to pay respects
September 14th, 2018 at 11:33 AM ^
Please don't let this meme infect mgoblog.
September 14th, 2018 at 11:19 AM ^
HoF and should have his number retired. Great captain. Better person.
September 14th, 2018 at 2:41 PM ^
I wouldn’t be upset if they retired his number, but I wouldn’t be upset if they didn’t either...
September 14th, 2018 at 3:30 PM ^
More points than ted Lindsay, conn smythe trophy, served as captain for 5 years, over 1000 games played as a red wing, nearly 1000 points, won a cup, part of dominant, presidents trophy winning teams, and was a class act all around. I’d be pissed if his number isn’t retired. With all do respect to ted, but there are plenty of guys who are better ambassadors for the organization and who had better playing careers than he did.
September 14th, 2018 at 4:20 PM ^
They can retire his number after they retire Sergei's. He was the best two way player in the game for years. Real petty for the Wings not to retire his number.
September 14th, 2018 at 11:26 AM ^
Devastating. What a great career.
His will be my next jersey.
September 14th, 2018 at 11:37 AM ^
Really classy guy. Turns out he is a UM football fan too. My son got his autograph on a game ticket as Hank was sitting a couple rows behind us a few years back. He couldn't have been nicer to my son. Great player, and seems to be an equally exceptional human. I will raise a glass to you this evening, Mr. Zetterberg.
September 14th, 2018 at 11:38 AM ^
Great player for a long time for the Red Wings, and agree with another poster that it's really that last connection back to "the good ol' days" when it comes to the Wings, so some nostalgia even for someone that didn't follow hockey extremely closely.
Not that the Wings are going anywhere any time soon, but last I followed hockey, I know with older players that retired before their contract was up, that the team basically ate that contract in terms of salary cap. Is this only going to further kill the Wings? Or is there something that has changed or a difference here that I'm not aware of?
September 14th, 2018 at 11:56 AM ^
Not 100% sure but I believe the issue involved Datsyuk signing the contract after the age of 35. I don't believe Z's contract will affect Holland's ability to overpay someone else on the roster.
September 14th, 2018 at 11:59 AM ^
It says that he's being placed on "Long-term Injured Reserve" which will help Holland out with cap space this season
September 14th, 2018 at 12:42 PM ^
Zetterberg has 3 years left on his contract. If he officially retired, the Wings would be on the hook for a $4.3M per year salary cap hit for the next 3 years (his average salary cap recapture penalty). By going to LTIR, the Wings will get relief of up to the $4.3M if they spend over the cap (which they will). Believe it or not, Johan Franzen is still on LTIR as well through the 2019-20 season.
September 14th, 2018 at 12:22 PM ^
Technically I dont think hes retiring. I believe hes going to ride the LTIR with Franzen for a little while, waiting for their buddy Kronwall to join them
September 14th, 2018 at 1:21 PM ^
Not surprising, but always sucks when a guy has to retire due to injury. But he had a great career.
September 14th, 2018 at 1:23 PM ^
Class athlete, captain, consistent producer, leader, benefited the community, spent his career with one team and almost certainly a HOFer. Checks all of the boxes for a great career.
Z, we will miss you but we would could not have asked for anything more as fans.
September 14th, 2018 at 1:58 PM ^
Best Swedish Player since Nick Lidstrom and Borje Salming
September 14th, 2018 at 2:28 PM ^
Love you Z. Thank you for all the years.
Thank you also for making room on the roster for 19 to lace up his skates again.
September 14th, 2018 at 3:25 PM ^
If ted Lindsay had his number retired so should hank. Him and datsyuk were the best superstar tandem of this century. Dominant in every aspect of the game. No duo can match their talent at both ends.
September 14th, 2018 at 5:56 PM ^
Yzerman will save us.
September 14th, 2018 at 6:35 PM ^
Thank you and best of luck. You gave everything to the Red Wings.