Red Wings GM: Henrik Zetterberg’s hockey career is over

Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg talks about having to reluctantly end his career due to a degenerative back condition.

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says captain Henrik Zetterberg‘s hockey career is over due to a degenerative back condition.

Holland told reporters of Zetterberg’s status on Friday morning. The 37-year-old will be placed on long-term IR.

Zetterberg’s NHL career comes to a close after 1,082 games — all with the Red Wings — in which he racked up 337 goals and 960 points. The Njurunda, Sweden native also suited up in 137 post-season contests for Detroit, which included back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2007-08 and 2008-09 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Zetterberg led Detroit in playoff points in both of those runs to the Final, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as post-season MVP when the Red Wings won the Cup in 2007-08.

Captain of the Red Wings since January 2013, Zetterberg currently sits fifth in franchise history in goals, assists and points.

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