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Red Wings 9, Jackets
Zip (Zetterberg Gets Three Assists)
BY Chris Silva, Free
Press, September 29, 2005
Pull out your Red
Wings roster and remove left wing Henrik Zetterberg from the list of
players who have yet to appear in the preseason.
After being shelved
for nearly two weeks with a sore hip flexor, Zetterberg returned to
the ice in the Wings' 9-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on
Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena.
Zetterberg finished
with (three) assists, including one on the first goal of the game by
defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom at 4:06 of the first period.
The last time
Zetterberg played was during the Wings' first intrasquad scrimmage,
on Sept. 13, when he hurt his right hip flexor. After 12:13 on the
ice against Columbus, Zetterberg said his hip
felt fine. No soreness, no pain. But he admitted he was a little
rusty.
"I thought my timing
was a little bit off with the puck," he said. "But overall I felt
pretty good. It was a good game to start. It's always fun to produce
a little bit."
Wings Win
Laugher
By Ted Kulfan, The
Detroit News, September 29,
2005
NHL exhibition games
are usually bad as it is, but this one was particularly ugly. The
Wings, playing mostly their "A" team, blitzed a Columbus
roster filled with minor leaguers Wednesday, 9-0, at Joe Louis
Arena.
Henrik Zetterberg had three (?) assists in
his first game since suffering an injured hip in an intrasquad
scrimmage during the first week of training camp.
"It was good to have
Hank back," Babcock said. "He adds a dimension of speed and he
hounds the puck. He's obviously going to make us a better team."
Datsyuk: 'I want to retire
here' (Zetterberg is
"Pain-free")
By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 28,
2005
Henrik Zetterberg,
(Pavel) Datsyuk's best friend on the (Redwings), kept in regular
contact with him (during Datsyuk’s contract negotiations from
Russia).
"Somewhere in the back
of my head, I thought he'd come back," Zetterberg said. "I didn't
know if that was possible, but I kind of knew he wanted to come
back."
On Tuesday, Datsyuk
confirmed that Detroit is where he wanted to stay.
"I want to retire
here," he said.
(Head coach,
Mike)Babcock said it's unlikely that Datsyuk would play (tonight’s
pre-season exhibition game) against Columbus. Babcock figures that
Datsyuk will be ready for Friday's home exhibition against Toronto.
Babcock said his first
inclination is to pair Datsyuk with Brendan Shanahan and Jason
Williams or Mikael Samuelsson (when Samuelsson arrives from Sweden
before the end of the week).
He is likely to have
Robert Lang center Zetterberg, and Williams or Samuelsson.
Babcock liked seeing
Datsyuk and Zetterberg on the ice. Zetterberg is recovering from a
hip flexor.
"When you add him
(Datsyuk) and Hank we're a way quicker team, and we didn't even have
to skate," Babcock said.
Zetterberg had been
out since being injured Sept. 13, the first day of intrasquad
scrimmages in Traverse City.
But having made it
through Tuesday's practice pain-free, Zetterberg said he hopes to
play tonight.
"I feel good, I hope
coach puts me in the lineup," Zetterberg said. "I didn't know this
would take so long. I thought a couple of days, but then it went
longer. We wanted to be on the safe side, and now it feels good."
Said Babcock: "We'll
see how he (Zetterberg) is (today). He seemed fine."
Zetterberg was
thrilled to see Datsyuk at practice. He said it is exciting to hear
talk from the Wings' front office that he and Datsyuk are the future
of the organization.
"Now," Zetterberg
said, "we just have to take that responsibility and do the best we
can."
Forget English, Smile Says it All
(Henrik is Happy Pavel is Back)
By Helene St. James, Free
Press, September 28, 2005
…Although (Pavel)
Datsyuk practiced between Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom
(during practice yesterday), Babcock said he planned to use Datsyuk
with Brendan Shanahan, and Zetterberg with Robert Lang, with Mikael
Samuelsson and Jason Williams fleshing out the right sides. But just
for one day, at least, the “Eurotwins” were reunited on ice.
"It was fun to have
Pavel besides me," Zetterberg said. Zetterberg has been sidelined
with a hip flexor, but if he feels good this morning he'll play
tonight against Columbus.
Datsyuk signs (Zetterberg
Practicing)
By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit
News, September 27, 2005
The Wings confirmed
Monday that forward Pavel Datsyuk was at Joe Louis Arena and
signed a two-year contract worth $7.8 million.
Datsyuk will practice
with the team today. Actually, he couldn't resist getting out on the
ice and worked out with his pal Henrik Zetterberg, who has begun skating
after suffering a hip flexor the first day of intrasquad scrimmages
in Traverse City.
Datsyuk skated and
worked out in Russia during his contract stalemate. Because of that,
coach Mike Babcock expects Datsyuk to play Wednesday at Joe Louis
Arena when the Wings face Columbus.
Incidentally,
Zetterberg should also be in the lineup. It will be Zetterberg's
first exhibition game this season. Zetterberg suffered the hip
injury in the first scrimmage the Wings played.
Datsyuk's first practice
Tuesday (Zetterberg should
play Wednesday)
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com,
September 26, 2005
Wings general manager
Ken Holland said Pavel Datsyuk's flight from Russia was scheduled to
land in Detroit late Sunday night. Datsyuk will be in Holland's
office today to officially sign his two-year, $7.8 million contract.
He'll be on the ice Tuesday for his first practice and Babcock said
he'll make his preseason debut Wednesday at home against Columbus.
Babcock said he
initially does not plan to play Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on the
same line. Datsyuk will play on a line with Shanahan and Zetterberg
will play with Robert Lang.
Zetterberg and
defenseman Andreas Lilja, both hampered by a sore hip flexor, have
resumed practicing and should play Wednesday.
Datsyuk Could Join Team
Today (Zetterberg
Update)
By Terry Foster, The Detroit
News, September 25,
2005
Pavel
Datsyuk was scheduled to land at Detroit Metro Airport Sunday night
in time to sign a two-year, $7.8 million contract in General Manager
Ken Holland's office today.
"He is a
great young player," Holland said. "All the moves made this summer
were to make sure we had Pavel and (Henrik) Zetterberg. It would
have been a great loss to buy people (Darren McCArty, Derrian
Hatcher, Ray Whitney) out and not have Pavel."
Wings
coach Mike Babcock said Datsyuk will return to the lineup Wednesday
at Joe Louis Arena against Columbus and will skate on a line that
includes Brendan Shanahan. He said Henrik Zetterberg and Datsyuk,
linemates in the past, won't play together initially.
"But I am
entitled to change my mind," Babcock said.
Babcock
hinted that Zetterberg (hip flexor) could also return to the lineup
Wednesday.
Latest Injury
Update
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September
24, 2005
Henrik
Zetterberg's injured right hip (hip flexor) is slightly worse than
originally reported. He was hurt in a training camp
scrimmage on September 13th and initially was thought to
miss only a few days of practice. That was almost two weeks ago.
Zetterberg
has been lightly skating recently but left practice early yesterday.
The earliest he might return to action is on Sunday, September 25th
when the Stars come to Detroit, according to Redwings head coach
Mike Babcock. However, it now looks like he may need at least a few
more days to heal.
Hopefully
for Henrik and the Redwings this will not be a long term nagging
injury. Zetterberg's talent is desperately needed in Detroit's
lineup.
…Scare in Scrimmage, Zetterberg OK After Suffering Hip
Flexor
By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 14, 2005
The Red Wings returned
to the ice Tuesday, and they enjoyed seeing forward Henrik Zetterberg dominate with two goals
in his team's 5-2 victory during a scrimmage.
But they didn't enjoy
seeing Zetterberg walking gingerly afterward because of a right hip
flexor.
"It's a little bit sore
right now," said Zetterberg, who didn't finish the scrimmage. "We'll
see how it feels. Right now, as a safety precaution, it's better to
stay off."
Zetterberg said the
discomfort developed as the scrimmage progressed, and stretching
didn't cure the problem.
It's unlikely that he
will skate today. He figures a more likely timetable is the end of
the week.
"It could be a couple
of days," he said, "but it won't be longer than that."
Zetterberg had been
skating in Sweden since Aug. 5, when teams began working out in the
Swedish Elite League. He said he hasn't had problems with the hip
since beginning workouts for this season.
The Wings, who signed
Zetterberg to a four-year, $10.6 million contract last week, don't
want to think about life without him for an extended period,
especially since forward Pavel Datsyuk is unsigned.
"Hopefully, he got off
(the ice) before he did anything, and it's not a big deal, and he's
back rolling right away because, as you saw, he's a pretty good
player," coach Mike Babcock said.
Added captain Steve Yzerman: "Henrik Zetterberg was
clearly the best player on the ice."
Zetterberg scored 14
seconds into the scrimmage, taking a pass from defenseman Mathieu Schneider for a breakaway goal.
Fans might see more
goals like Zetterberg's because of rules changes that will emphasize
offense and passes from blue line to blue line.
"We saw 10 seconds into
the very first scrimmage how this could be effective, and how you
can catch teams napping," said Brendan Shanahan, who is part of the
competition committee that recommended the rules changes. "How many
breakaways in the NHL have (we) seen the last few years? That was a
great play."
Said
Zetterberg: "That's kind of how we play in Europe, it was good. It
could be like that (here)."
All Eyes Turn to Yzerman, Zetterberg (Swede Tweaks
Hip)
BY Helene St. James,
Free Press, September 14, 2005
A few sights that
defined opening day of Red Wings training camp: Henrik Zetterberg
looking every bit the star, scoring off an opening face-off.
Zetterberg leaving the ice, injured. Captain Steve Yzerman hidden
behind a dark visor.
The two centers led off
the midday scrimmage Tuesday at Centre ICE arena in the Wings' first
official on-ice action since May 3, 2004.
Zetterberg looked
sublime, scoring two goals on two shots and finishing with a
plus-three rating before a sore right hip flexor sent him off barely
midway through the second half of the scrimmage.
Zetterberg sounded
hopeful of returning to the ice by week's end.
"I will see how I
feel," he said. "It'll probably be a couple days, but it won't be
long." The injury developed at the end of the first period, but
Zetterberg spent halftime stretching and returned to score in the
second half, helping secure a 5-2 victory for Squad B.
"I felt OK, and I went
out again and I felt it coming," Zetterberg said. "I don't know what
it was."
Zetterberg has been
skating in his native Sweden since early August and certainly didn't
look rusty in the brief appearance he made. Skating on a line
between Brendan Shanahan and Jason Williams, he connected on a pass
from defenseman Mathieu Schneider to score 14 seconds into the first
half. Yzerman wasn't quite so smooth. Headlining Squad C, he was on
the ice for both of Zetterberg's goals and finished minus-three.
"I felt better than
expected, but watching Henrik skate around out there, I'm pretty
envious; I'd like to be able to move like that," Yzerman said. "He
clearly was the best player on the ice."
Hockey's Back, as Wings Ready to Open
Camp
By Ansar Khan,
Mlive.com, September 12, 2005
Henrik Zetterberg was
speaking to a group of reporters next to the team bus Sunday morning
at Joe Louis Arena, when Kris Draper drove by and shouted, "Look
who's here!"
He's back. More
importantly, they're back.
After the most
turbulent 12 months in NHL history, the Detroit Red Wings have
settled into their regular routine, as players boarded two buses
bound for training camp in Traverse City.
"Everyone was out of
place last year (during the league lockout), with some guys playing
in Europe and some staying here," said Zetterberg, who eased some
concerns by signing a four-year contract last week. "It's good to be
back and see everybody get together and play some hockey."
Players will undergo
physicals and off-ice testing today and hit the ice Tuesday for
their first workout under coach Mike Babcock.
The only player who
won't be there is Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings are still waiting to
hear if he'll accept their offer of a two-year deal for $3.8 million
a season, or play for Moscow Dynamo in Russia. His agent, Gary
Greenstin, indicated a decision could come today.
Zetterberg spoke with
Datsyuk, his good buddy, a few days ago and remains optimistic the
two will be reunited soon.
"I think he wants to be
back here," Zetterberg said. "That's the one thing we've been
talking about the whole year, that we want to play over here. But,
it's tough to get everyone under the salary cap."
Zetterberg hopes
Datsyuk's not far behind. Otherwise, it could be a long week.
"We got a four-hour bus
ride and Hank's probably going to take the most abuse, and
rightfully so," Kris Draper said. "We're going to ride him as hard
as we can for the next week. I'm really looking forward to that."
Zetterberg Hopeful about Datsyuk
BY Helene
St. James, Free Press, September 12,
2005
Given how long this
Pavel Datsyuk soap opera has lasted already, what's one more day?
It's frustrating for
Red Wings fans, perhaps, but then again, what about this situation
hasn't been?
The Wings were still
waiting Sunday evening to hear the news on Datsyuk, who last week
signed a contract with a Russia Super League team but remains free
to rejoin the Wings.
The Wings have offered
Datsyuk a two-year deal worth $3.8 million a year, and they are
waiting to hear his final answer.
General manager Ken
Holland did not return a message as of early Sunday evening. He has
been in daily contact with Datsyuk's agent, Gary Greenstin. The rest
of the squad departed Sunday morning from Joe Louis Arena and headed
to Traverse City, where camp opens Tuesday. Among the group was
Datsyuk's close friend Henrik Zetterberg, who a few days ago agreed
to a four-year deal worth $10.6 million.
Zetterberg said he had
talked to his buddy throughout the summer, and he hopes Datsyuk, a
centerman, will be back. Coach Mike Babcock said the same thing last
week.
"We need him,"
Zetterberg said.
"He's a good player.
It's new rules. It's tough to get everyone you want. Hopefully we
can get him back. I think he wants to be back
here."
Wings Go to Camp Glad to See Zetterberg
BY George Sipple, Free
Press, September 12, 2005
Kris Draper pulled up
to the bus at Joe Louis Arena to unpack his gear for Red Wings
training camp. He saw Henrik Zetterberg talking to a group of
reporters, then said what everyone in Detroit had been thinking last
week: "Whew! Thank goodness he's here."
Zetterberg, one of the
Wings' top young players, didn't sign his four-year, $10.6-million
contract until last week, but he was on one of two buses with the
rest of the training camp participants Sunday morning as they left
Joe Louis Arena for Traverse City. Camp begins Tuesday.
Zetterberg, 24, was
apparently in for a long bus ride.
"He was one of the last
guys to get in town," Draper said. "It's going to be nice. We have a
four-hour bus ride, and Hank's going to probably take the most abuse
on the bus, and rightfully so. We're just happy to have him back.
He's such a great kid and such a great hockey player. He's going to
play a huge role for the Detroit Red Wings over the next four years
for sure."
Zetterberg is happy to be back with
team
By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit
News, September 12, 2005
There was one familiar
face on the Red Wings' bus Sunday to Traverse City, and the start of
training camp, while one other face was missing.
The Wings still hadn't
heard from forward Pavel Datsyuk on whether he had decided to
remain in Russia, play for Moscow Dynamo or return to the Red Wings.
But Datsyuk's friend
and teammate Henrik Zetterberg was on his way to
Traverse City. After signing a four-year contract last week worth
$10.6 million, Zetterberg, who was a restricted free agent, as
Datsyuk is, was happy to be part of the Red Wings for now, and the
immediate future.
"I'm glad it worked
out, and glad I'm going to be here for four more years," said
Zetterberg, who arrived Saturday from Sweden.
Zetterberg hopes
Datsyuk will soon join him.
"I hope to see him
here, he's a good player, but it's new rules and everybody (the
teams) has to be under the salary cap," Zetterberg said.
Thank you Henrik!
Classy Zetterberg Back with the Wings
By Chris Turner,
Zetterbergfan.com, September 9, 2005
The Detroit Redwings
have made a huge signing this week! They have signed a star player
to a multi-year deal at a fairly good price. No, the player is NOT
Pavel Datsyuk. Another young European stand-out, Swedish sensation
Henrik Zetterberg agreed to a four year, 10.6 million dollar
contract, paying him 2.65 million a season and securing his services
with the Redwings until 2009 when he will be 29 years old.
This was a fair signing
for both sides. Zetterberg got better than the 2.5 million a season
that he was asking for and the Redwings got him long-term, a year
past when he could have been eligible for unrestricted free agency.
It was a huge gesture on Zetterberg’s part to sign a long term deal
without breaking the franchise.
It did not go
un-noticed among management, players, and especially fans that
Henrik gave up a year of free agency, a year in which he could ask
for a big contract from the highest bidder. By signing this deal,
and doing before training camp, especially with Datsyuk refusing to
accept Detroit’s offers, Zetterberg has instantly become a fan
favorite in Hockeytown. By showing that he is unselfish, and was
willing to work for the benefit of the team, “Hank” has earned some
more respect today.
The Redwings needed to
sign Henrik. General Manager Ken Holland, unable to come to an
agreement with the demanding Datsyuk, needed to make a positive move
to help bolster Detroit’s offense, build on the future, and put a
positive spin on a day in which it was announced that Datsyuk will
sign with a Russian team for 6 million dollars a year. The Redwings
needed a bonfide star who can not be classified as an aging veteran.
They needed someone to build there future around. Zetterberg is that
player. Zetterberg is the real deal. He will be a star for years to
come, hopefully all those years will be wearing a winged wheel.
Datsyuk will most likely be a star for years to come as well. Its
just not known in what country that will be in. It could have been,
it still can be as teammates on the Detroit Redwings. The two often
times formed a dynamic duo as linemates, mostly with veteran sniper
Brett Hull on the famed “Two Kids and a Goat line”, making
spectacular passes and dashing moves. The two kids were touted as
future Hall of Famers by the bousterous Hull. The two could have
continued to play together as linemates for many years.
Unfortunatly, it seems Datysuk doesn’t necessarily want to be a part
of what could be a legendary combination.
But if the Redwings
could only sign one of the “Euro Twins” its definitely better that
they couldn’t come to terms with Datsyuk. Zetterberg is two years
younger than Datsyuk, and is believed by many to be the better all
around player. While Datsyuk has a flashier offensive upside,
Zetterberg plays a more blue-collared game. He is responsible at
both ends of the ice and is effective on the penalty kill as well as
the power play. He is capable of making highlight reel goals and
passes as well, as he has shown in Sweden while leading the Swedish
Elite League in scoring last year. But, he also has leadership
ability and some think he is a candidate for future captain of the
Redwings after Yzerman has retired.
With Datsyuk’s
departure, and his goal scoring skills gone with him, Zetterberg is
going to have a bigger role this season. He will likely move back to
center, his natural position, and have a bigger responsibility on
offense. With the NHL’s new emphisis on opening the game up for more
scoring, I predict Henrik will have his “breakout” season, tallying
more than 30 goals and 40 assists. He will emerge as a team leader
both literally and
statistically.
Through contract
negotiations and with his signing, Zetterberg has displayed class
and commitment. Datsyuk has displayed greed and a lack of
understanding of the salary cap and its implications on the team.
Pavel could learn a few things from Henrik. A lot about what it
means to show gratitude to the franchise that gave you an
opportunity when you weren’t a highly scouted prospect. A team that
treated you well and put you in a roster with the likes of Steve
Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, and Niklas Lidstrom. Its about doing what
is benefical for the club that needs you in the lineup, after all
they have done for you, making your transition to a new country and
a new way of life easier.
Henrik Zetterberg, we
salute you. Thank you for coming back to our beloved
Redwings. YOUR beloved Redwings. You are a hero in the Motor
City now, just as you are back in Sundsvall and Timra, where they
call you “Zata”.
Swede Times Ahead as Zetterberg Joins Fold
By Helene St. James,
Free Press, September 8, 2005
A day after seemingly
losing the Russian side, the Red Wings secured the Swedish half of
the Euro Twins.
Henrik Zetterberg, the
almost 25-year-old forward who has played like a star since joining
the NHL three years ago, agreed Wednesday to a four-year deal worth
$2.65 million annually. The news was welcome in the locker room at
Joe Louis Arena, where several of Zetterberg's teammates skated as a
warm-up to next week's training camp at Traverse City.
"I think it's great to
have him back," Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Too bad we couldn't get
Pavel, but we had to have one of the two guys back. We've got Hank
signed for a number of years, and that's great."
On Monday, center Pavel
Datsyuk signed a one-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian
Super League. On Wednesday, Moscow Dynamo matched the offer, rumored
to be in excess of $5 million a year. There's no out clause, but
because Russia did not sign an agreement with the International Ice
Hockey Federation, general manager Ken Holland is continuing almost
daily contract negotiations in hopes of luring Datsyuk back to
Detroit.
"Pavel and Hank are two
young players who are very, very important to our franchise,"
Holland said. "In Hank's case, he's really coming into the prime of
his career. I'm happy he made a long-term commitment; basically we
bought ourselves one year of unrestricted free agency."
Ironically, Zetterberg
would notice Datsyuk's absence especially hard. Zetterberg came to
the NHL a year after Datsyuk, and the two quickly formed a
friendship that grew as they began to be paired up on the same line.
By 2003-04, the two were so close teammates dubbed them the Euro
Twins and delighted in seeing the two tear through opponents.
"Those two kids can do
a lot of magic together," Tomas Holmstrom said. "It's too bad we
can't have Pavel, but that's how it is, and you have to go on."
Zetterberg's hockey
star has ascended every season. Three years ago he finished as
runner-up for the Calder Trophy; two years ago he produced a
career-best 28 assists among 43 points. Last season he led the
Swedish Elite League in scoring with 50 points in 50 games (19
goals, 31 assists) while playing for Timra.
In light of Datsyuk's
possible defection, Zetterberg's versatility becomes even more
important. He has played mostly left wing in Detroit, but he's a
tremendously gifted playmaker, and could easily serve as a center if
needed.
"He's one of our better
players, so for sure we want him back," Holmstrom said. "He had 50
points last year in the Swedish Elite League, a great season. He's
going to one of the top players in the NHL, so having one of those
guys on your team is a huge plus."
After Signing With Wings, Zetterberg Could Move Back
to Center
By Ansar Khan,
Mlive.com, Thursday, September 8, 2005
Henrik Zetterberg came
into the NHL three years ago as a naturally gifted center, but was
forced to switch positions because the Detroit Red Wings were so
well-stocked down the middle.
And while Zetterberg
flourished at left wing, he could be much better as a center. It
appears he'll get that chance this season as the Red Wings look to
fill the huge void left by Pavel Datsyuk's return to Russia.
Still stinging from the
loss of one young star, the Red Wings softened the blow somewhat by
locking up another to a long-term contract on Wednesday, signing the
24-year-old Zetterberg to a four-year contract worth $2.65 million a
season.
It's a significant
boost from the salary he earned in 2003-04 ($675,000) and the salary
he lost during the canceled 2004-05 season ($825,000). But it could
turn out to be a bargain for the Wings if Zetterberg reaches his
full potential.
Zetterberg is coming
off a season in which he led the Swedish Elite League in scoring,
posting 50 points (including 19 goals) in 50 games with Timra.
"It was a pretty good
league with all the NHL players in it (because of the lockout),"
Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He just continues to
improve every year. He's still pretty young. He's just reaching the
beginning of his prime years."
Zetterberg doesn't have
Datsyuk's slick moves or goal-scoring touch, but he's a better
two-way player. And he should benefit from a possible move to
center.
"I've leave that up to
(coach) Mike Babcock," Holland said. "But he played center last
season in Sweden and I think he might be better at center than the
wing because he likes that room to operate."
Zetterberg played left
wing in 2002-03 -- the season he finished second to St. Louis Blues
defenseman Barret Jackman in balloting for the Calder Trophy as
rookie of the year -- because the Wings had Sergei Fedorov, Steve
Yzerman, Igor Larionov, Kris Draper and Datsyuk at center.
Zetterberg missed 21 games the following season because of a broken
leg, but still managed 15 goals and 28 assists.
Zetterberg
will become an unrestricted free agent when the contract expires
(the age for unrestricted free agency will be gradually lowered to
27 in the next few years).
Red Wings sign Zetterberg to 4-year
deal
TSN.CA, Canadian Press,
September 7, 2005
Henrik Zetterberg is
in. Pavel Datsyuk is probably out. The Detroit Red Wings re-signed
Zetterberg to a $10.6-million US, four-year contract Wednesday,
bringing back at least one of their two star restricted free
agents.
Centre Pavel Datsyuk
has agreed to a deal in Russia and remains unsigned by the Red
Wings. It appears he won't be in the NHL this
season.
But Zetterberg finally
signed after a long negotiation. He'll earn $2.65 million a season
and gave up one year of unrestricted free agency, which was key for
the Wings.
''Something his agent
and I talked about over the course of the month is trying to get a
long-term deal done that both of us were comfortable with,'' Wings
GM Ken Holland told The Canadian Press. ''We were able to do
that.''
Holland said the deal
basically leaves the Wings with 10 forwards, seven defencemen and
two goalies signed for a total of $33.5 million, $5.5 million under
the salary cap. Holland would like to get three more forwards into
the fold, and it's not clear whether Datsyuk will be one of
them.
Zetterberg, meanwhile,
led the Swedish Elite League in scoring during the NHL lockout with
50 points (19-31) in 50 games with Timra. In 2003-04, he had 15
goals and 28 assists in 61 games with the Wings. He has 37 goals and
50 assists in 140 career games.
''The last time we saw
him in a Red Wing uniform he was 23 years old,'' said Holland.
''He's now 25 and really just now coming into the prime of his
career. He dominated in Sweden last year and he's continued to
develop. He's a young player we want to build
around.''
Zetterberg skates back to
Wings
By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit
News, September 7th,
2005
Pavel Datsyuk is gone, but the
Red Wings still have Henrik Zetterberg.
After a summer of
haggling, the Wings finally signed Zetterberg, a restricted free
agent, to a four-year contract worth $10.6 million. They also also
have the security of locking up Zetterberg, 24, a year past when he
can become an unrestricted free agent (age 27).
Zetterberg receives a
significant raise from the $625,000 he made last season. He also
gets a long-term contract.
"We feel Hank will be a
good player for a long time here," general manager Ken Holland said.
"He's an important part of our team."
Zetterberg, who had 15
goals and 28 assists in 61 games during the 2003-04 season, is
scheduled to arrive in Detroit this weekend. The team travels to
Traverse City for training camp Sunday.
Playing for Timra in
the Swedish Elite League during the NHL lockout last winter,
Zetterberg led the league in scoring with 50 points (19 goals, 31
assists) in 50 games.
He also was one of
Sweden's best players during the World Championships.
"I saw a few of his
games over in Sweden while I was there scouting," Holland said, "and
he did play very well.
"He's the type of
player who works hard every day at practice. He's a pro. He's
responsible at both ends of the ice. I don't know if Hank will be a
big-time scorer, but he's going to be a point producer in this
league."
The Zetterberg signing
leaves the Wings with approximately $5.5 million under the $39
million salary cap. Holland would like to sign three more forwards
to fill the roster.
Datsyuk as good as gone
(Zetterberg Talks
Progressing)
By Helene St. James,
Free Press, September 7, 2005
The defection of Pavel
Datsyuk is all but complete. He has no out clause with his new home
team in Siberia, and barring a bureaucratic miracle -- and how often
do those happen? -- the Red Wings will have to soldier on without
him.
The Wings have $7
million left in cap room, but a good chunk of that is going to be
used on one of Datsyuk's closest friends, Henrik Zetterberg.
Negotiations with the Swedish forward are progressing so well that a
deal may be done soon enough to ensure Zetterberg will be in
Traverse City when training camp starts next week.
Holland and
Zetterberg's agent, Marc Levine, spoke Tuesday, when Holland
countered an offer made by Levine last Thursday. The sides are
discussing both short-term and long-term deals, and Holland
expressed confidence that this negotiation will have a happier
ending than Datsyuk's.
"We're apart, but
there's a way to find a solution," Holland said. "I like to think
we're having constructive talks. I hope to have him back for the
first day of camp."
Zetterberg, Wings Remain Far
Apart
By Ted Kulfan, Detroit
News, September 6th, 2005
Much of the focus has
been on Pavel Datsyuk recently, but Henrik Zetterberg isn't pleased with his
situation, either.
Datsyuk reportedly
signed with a Russian team Monday. Zetterberg hasn't gone that far,
but he is, like Datsyuk, a restricted free agent, and he and the
Wings are far apart in contract talks.
Zetterberg told the
Swedish newspaper Dagbladet on Saturday that he is considering
staying and playing for his club team, Timra, if an agreement with
the Wings isn't reached soon.
"Yes, it's a
standstill, and it's been like that for a while now," Zetterberg was
quoted as saying. "We are not even close at the moment. But that's
how things are. They (the Wings) have their values, I have mine."
Zetterberg also told
the newspaper he doubts the Wings can retain him and Datsyuk and
still add a forward or two to the roster.
The Wings have
approximately $7 million left before reaching the salary cap. They
need to sign Datsyuk and Zetterberg and would like to add a forward.
"(The Wings must) sign
me and Pavel and another forward or two, depending if they want a
21- or 22-player team," Zetterberg said. "No, it won't work."
General manager Ken
Holland and Zetterberg's agent, Marc Levine, have exchanged offers
the last couple of weeks. But Holland said last week the sides
aren't close to an agreement with training camp beginning Sept. 11.
Zetterberg, Datsyuk and
the Wings are governed by Dec. 1, the date restricted free agents
must sign with NHL teams in order to be eligible for the rest of the
season.
Zetterberg told the
Swedish newspaper Sundvalls Tiding on Sunday that he isn't setting
any deadlines.
"I hope to be there
then (when training camp begins)," he said, "but I don't know now.
"I won't set any
deadline on this. I'll let it take what time it needs."
Fans Frustrated with Datsyuk’s
and Zetterberg’s Contract
Negotiations
By Chris Turner,
Zetterbergfan.com, September 4, 2005
The latest reports from
Hockeytown are that the Detroit Redwings are “nowhere near” signing
probably their two most important young star players, Henrik
Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, both of which are Restricted Free
Agents looking for significant pay raises. Zetterberg and Datsyuk
have been deemed the future of this franchise, the “must sign”
players of this off-season, the next generation of offensive stars
that the Wings need to promote. The problem for the Redwings is the
NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement and more-so the new salary
cap that limits teams to spending 39 million a season on players
contracts. Redwing’s General Manager Ken Holland was quick to
re-sign Detroit’s aged veterans such as local heroes Steve Yzerman,
Brendan Shanahan, and Chris Chelios. He also felt it important to
lock up defenseman Mathieu Schneider for 3 million dollars a year.
That leaves him approximately 7 million dollars to split between
Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and two other roster
spots.
The news that Detroit
and Datsyuk/Zetterberg can not agree on contracts has many fans
angry at either the players for wanting more money, perhaps more
than they haven’t proven to be worth, or at Ken Holland for waiting
too long to address the contracts of the two building blocks of the
team’s offense. Most fans are probably a little angry at both the
players and management. Anywhere you look on Redwings internet
forums you see fans calling for the trade of Datsyuk or Zetterberg,
or both. Datsyuk and his agent, Gary Greenstin, have made fans more
hostile towards him by giving Holland ultimatums and deadlines ala
Sergei Fedorov. Just as Redwing’s fan became disenchanted with prima
donna Fedorov when he held out for more money, they have also turned
on Datsyuk. While Datsyuk has made many highlight reel goals and
also been touted as a future superstar by many NHL veterans, he
still has only three years of NHL experience and has yet to prove
himself as a consistent star.
So now, you hear fans
say let Pavel go back to Russia if he thinks he can get more money
(rumor is he has been offered 4 million dollars a season to play for
Moscow Dynamo. It is believed that Datsyuk’s agent is asking for 4-5
million a season for two seasons, which would have his contract
ending at the exact same time that Datsyuk is eligible for
unrestricted free agency.
People may be a little
more understanding towards Henrik, who is asking for less money (2.5
million a season), is two years younger than Datsyuk, and is
believed by many to be the better all around player. While Datsyuk
has a flashier offensive upside, Zetterberg plays a more
blue-collared game. He is responsible at both ends of the ice and is
effective on the penalty kill as well as the power play. He is
capable of making highlight reel goals and passes as well, as he has
shown in Sweden while leading the Swedish Elite League in scoring
last year. But, he also has leadership ability and some think he is
a candidate for future captain of the Redwings after Yzerman has
retired.
Read the forums on the
internet that ask Redwing’s fans if they had to choose between
Datsyuk and Zetterberg; whether it’s at Redwingsworld.com or Letsgowings.com the choice is
overwhelmingly in favor of letting Datsyuk go or trading him for
prospects/ draft picks and re-signing Henrik. But that doesn’t mean
there aren’t people out there who don’t blame Zetterberg for
“holding out” for more money.
Fans aren’t the only
ones who are disappointed that negotiations have waited this long.
Zetterberg himself has voiced concern in the Swedish media that the Redwings have put
off his contact until last, presumably assuming that he would sign
for 1-2 million a year.
There have been several
rumors generated in Canada that Detroit might trade the rights to
Zetterberg’s contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Edmonton
Oilers. However, this is only speculation and has been denied by
Holland. Henrik himself has said that he has not heard from any
other club.
It is also highly
unlikely that Zetterberg will return home to Sweden to play for the
Timra Red Eagles, his hometown team in the Swedish Elite League, if
he is unable to sign with Detroit prior to the start of the NHL
season. The SEL does not pay anywhere near the salaries that players
can get in the NHL, and it is still Zetterberg’s wish to play for
the Redwings. Players have until December 1st to be
signed by NHL clubs before being declared ineligible for the current
season.
Ken
Holland is scheduled to meet with Zetterberg’s agent Marc Levine
sometime this week. In my opinion, I think both players will be
signed by Detroit for the start of the season. I think Ken Holland
will sign Datsyuk for 3-4 million a year for one or three seasons
and then sign Zetterberg for 1.5- 2 million a year for two years.
Conflicting
Zetterberg report
Contrary to a
Swedish report yesterday, restricted free agent Henrik Zetterberg
isn't setting any deadlines to sign with Detroit, according to a
Sundvalls Tiding story.
In 9 days, training camp begins. "I hope to
be there then, but I don't know now. I wont set any deadline on
this, I´ll let it take what time it needs."
This is at odds with
a Dagbladat story yesterday which said Zetterberg wanted to a deal
with the Wings in three weeks or he would stay with Timra in
Sweden.
Although Zetterberg sounds less harsh in his demands in
the new story, he also sounds disheartened by negotiations with the
pace of negotiations, saying that the situation is "tearing" at
him.
Even though it's a hard cap CBA now, Detroit has chosen to
sign several of their older stars before negotiations with
Zetterberg and Datsyuk has been done. "I dont want to say I'm
disappointed with Detroit, but of course I would have wanted them to
come to us first" says Zetterberg.
The report also
indicates that the Wings have offered Zetterberg a four or five year
deal worth about $2.4 million a year. While that seems a little high
for Zetterberg now, it would probably be a bargain for the Wings
because Zetterberg can qualify for unrestricted free agency after
the 2007-08 season.
Thanks to Patjoh at the redwingscentral message boards for
translation.
Red Wings 'Nowhere near a deal' with Datsyuk or
Zetterberg
BY Larry Lage,
Associated Press, Thursday, September 1, 2005
The Detroit Red Wings
are not close to re-signing restricted free agents Pavel Datsyuk or
Henrik Zetterberg.
"We're nowhere near a
deal with either player," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said
Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press. "We've made a
number of offers and they've made offers, but we still have a long
way to go to reach deals."
It's a priority for the
Red Wings to retain both young forwards, but with the league's new
collective bargaining agreement the team's salary cap is $39 million
- about half of what Detroit has spent in the past.
"From a club's
perspective, if a player doesn't reach your projections in terms of
performance, it really will have a negative impact on your ability
to compete in the future," Holland said. "So, we have to be careful.
"From a player's
perspective, they're looking for the best deal they can get because
you can't renegotiate under the terms of the new CBA."
The Red Wings are about
$7 million under the 2005-06 salary cap, and hope to sign four or
five players.
Both Datsyuk and
Zetterberg were standouts during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 regular
seasons and lackluster in the playoffs, like most of their
teammates.
Datsyuk had a combined
42 goals and 77 assists during the past two regular seasons - after
a 35-point year as a rookie - but didn't score a goal in the 2003 or
2004 playoffs and had just six assists.
Zetterberg had a
combined 37 goals and 50 assists in his two regular seasons, then
followed up with just five points in 16 postseason games.
Datsyuk is 27 and
Zetterberg turns 25 next month, making them even more valuable to
the Red Wings because the team has have many aging players.
"They're both good
young players with a lot of ability, but they're not finished
products," Holland said. "I've had a number of conversations with
their agents, and we'll continue to talk because we want to bring
both of them back. I feel we've made fair offers and there's not a
lot more we can do under the salary cap.
"I'm not concerned, but
the closer we get to Sept. 12, I will be."
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