1VaBlue1

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.

Joined: 01/31/2016

MGoPoints: 126790

1464

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.

Joined: 06/21/2010

MGoPoints: 37173

Hold This L

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. 

Joined: 08/16/2017

MGoPoints: 3322

DOBlue48

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.

Joined: 10/21/2015

MGoPoints: 2156

Space Coyote

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?

Joined: 06/18/2009

MGoPoints: 38962

Navy Wolverine

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.

Joined: 09/26/2016

MGoPoints: 19343

Adrian

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 

Joined: 08/12/2009

MGoPoints: 5829

Blue In NC

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.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 8550

Hold This L

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. 

Joined: 08/16/2017

MGoPoints: 3322