Red Wings GM: Zetterberg's career over due to back condition
Henrik Zetterberg's NHL career is over due to his back condition, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said on Friday, according to MLive's Ansar Khan.
Holland added that Zetterberg is not retiring, but will instead be placed on long-term injured reserve, according to NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. He has three years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $6.083 million.
Zetterberg has dealt with back issues dating back to the 2014-15 campaign, but incredibly didn't miss a game the last three seasons. He labored through most of last season and wasn't able to practice for half the year, Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill said last month, but still managed to put up 56 points. His back didn't allow him to train this offseason either.
The 37-year-old Swede finishes his career as one of the best players in his generation.
NHL PT Leaders - During Zetterberg's Career (02-03 to 17-18)
- Kevin Gibson (@TSNResearch) September 14, 2018
Player GP Pts
Joe Thornton 1138 1180
Ovechkin 1003 1122
Crosby 864 1116
Henrik Sedin 1166 1005
Daniel Sedin 1152 975
Zetterberg 1082 960
Zetterberg was a member of the elusive Triple Gold Club, winning Olympic and World Championship gold medals in 2006, and leading the Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2008 while also being awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
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