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Detroit Red Wings: Henrik Zetterberg likely out for next season

By Jasmine Yen

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Henrik Zetterberg #40 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on in the first period while playing the Anaheim Ducks at Little Caesars Arena on February 13, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Henrik Zetterberg #40 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on in the first period while playing the Anaheim Ducks at Little Caesars Arena on February 13, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Longtime Detroit Red Wings’ captain Henrik Zetterberg has been struggling with back problems since March and will likely be unable to play in the 2018-19 season.

In his 15-year career with the Detroit Red Wings, Henrik Zetterberg has never experienced an injury quite like this. He’s been dealing with a back injury (not specified by the team) that has affected him since March 2018.

Though Zetterberg managed to play through the last two months of the 2017-18 season, it has gotten so bad that he was unable to train in the summer. Head coach Jeff Blashill is doubting he’ll be able to be cleared.

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Physicals will start on September 13th, with players allowed to schedule earlier ones if necessary but according to Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, Zetterberg still has not indicated if he will participate.

He has served as the team captain since the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom. Zetterberg has been a crucial player for the Red Wings for years, serving as one of their primary defensive forwards while still putting up solid production.

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At 37 years old, this injury is career-threatening. He still has three years left on his contract, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he decides to hang up his skates. Besides, this man has done it all. Zetterberg has won the Stanley Cup, as well as the Conn Smythe, and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy back in 2015.

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He’s played 1082 games in the NHL, all with the Red Wings. 337 goals, 623 assists for 960 career points put him fifth best in Red Wings’ history. He is only the seventh player in franchise history to play 1000 games. To play that long in the NHL with the same team is incredible and when he does announce his retirement, the Hall of Fame shouldn’t be too far away.

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