Detroit to Announce 12-Year Deal For Zetterberg

Don't say miracles can't happen, and don't say the Wings can't retain all three of their big UFA's either.

At 2PM today, in the most lucrative deal in Red Wings history, Detroit is expected to announce a 12-year, $72 Million deal for Henrik Zetterberg. That works out to $6 Million a year, which is less than what Pavel Datsyuk makes.

This is fantastic news, considering most were expecting that Zetterberg's contract would eclipse Datsyuk's. God bless the man—He took a discount.

Zetterberg is easily a $8 Million man on the open market, but this deal will make him a Red Wing for life. Zetterberg will be 40 years old when the contract expires.

Now, we all know the dangers of contracts like these. Think the Islanders are regretting their long contract to Rick DiPietro yet?

Zetterberg hasn't been a perfect picture of health either, but it's still a fantastic deal because as salaries continue to climb in the coming years, Zetterberg will always only cost the Wings $6 Million towards the cap.

With this deal done, Ken Holland will turn his attention to Johan Franzen or Marian Hossa next. With the precedent already set—Zetterberg taking a hometown discount—Hossa, and Franzen especially, will be pressured to follow suit.

Detroit's master builder has done it again, but he's just getting started. This is a great day in Hockeytown though, let's enjoy it.

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