Red Wings Sign Ztar to 12 Year Contract
After almost a year of negotiations, Detroit is set to unveil a massive 12-year extension to 28 year-old Henrik Zetterberg’s contract with the Red Wings. A press conference is scheduled for 2 pm ET, when the formal announcement is expected to be made to the press.
According to several media outlets, the two parties have agreed on a 12-year deal; worth an estimated $73 million. This will set his new contract at around $6 million per annum against the salary cap. Henrik’s current contract was due to expire this summer, but he always made it clear his intention was to stay with the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Now that wish has been granted for the foreseeable future and Detroit can continue to enjoy Z’s inspirational performances on the ice.
To have locked up a player of Zetterberg’s ability “for a mere” $6 million annually will be seen as a major accomplishment for the organization. If they didn’t already have a firm foundation under their feet, the Red Wings can now look forward with some confidence to the clubs future and also have some space to negotiate new contracts with Marian Hossa, Johan Franzen and Mikael Samuelsson – all of which can become UFA’s at the season’s end if no new contracts are agreed to.
This contract extension is a testament to an organization run in exemplary fashion and the loyalty they command from their best players. The Florida Panthers, and all other teams essentially, have a lot to learn from Detroit – it is no coincidence they are perennial Stanley Cup contenders. And by the way, how are those negotiations with Jay Bouwmeester going, Jacques?
Henrik Zetterberg was a 7th(!) round draft pick in 1999 (210th overall) and has scored 169 goals and 206 assists for 375 points in 400 games. This year he has 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 45 games for the Detroit Red Wings. Last year he was instrumental in carrying his club to a memorable Stanley Cup triumph and was later voted the MVP of the playoffs; receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Surprisingly Henrik wasn’t seen as great prospect at the 1999 draft; although he was skilled it was believed his small stature would prevent him from being anything other than a fourth-line winger. However, Zetterberg had other thoughts and with sheer determination he was able to work his way up from the Swedish Second Division (Allsvenskan) with his beloved Timrå; helping the club reach the Elite League (Elitserien) and later the Swedish playoffs. He quickly became coveted as the most promising and talented player in Sweden. Fellow countryman Mats Sundin even compared Henrik to Peter Forsberg.
Having had great success in the Swedish League, receiving the accolade of being the best player in the Elite League in 2001/2, and making impressions both with the Junior and Swedish National Team; Henrik signed for the Red Wings in May 2002. He credits fellow Detroit players and countrymen Tomas Holmström and Nicklas Lidström for helping him settle in the area and in the competitive National Hockey League.
Born in Njurunda Sweden, it looks likely Zetterberg will finish his professional NHL career in Detroit. And with him signed for long term, the Red Wings has further set the foundations for immediate and future success. It will be a tough task for anyone to tilt the reigning champions now.
