In this ten part series, I will be dissecting ten different careers thus far. The series is fully called “Players Ages 28 and Younger who will end up in the Hall of Fame.” Feel free to argue a selection or the rankings at the end of the series.
Henrik Zetterberg was a long shot when he was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
Though impressed with his skill, Mike Ilitch and the Detroit management figured he would be more of a fourth-line winger who would most likely have to play a few years in the minors before making it big time in the NHL. But, much to their surprise, the Njurunda, Sweden native proved to be a third-line player filled with determination and will.
Zetterberg earned praise from veterans like Leafs captain Mats Sundin, who said the talented young winger reminded him of Peter Forsberg. Zetts has overcome the odds and emerged as an asset to the organization.
In no time at all, Zetterberg established himself as the Elite League's most dangerous offensive talent. Recording 16 goals and 24 points in 31 regular season appearances, the determined 19-year-old continued to press forward in the playoffs, scoring 14 goals and 24 points in just 21 games. He also helped guarantee Timra a spot in the Swedish Elite League in 2000-01.
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During that same year, Zetterberg was named assistant captain of Sweden's World Junior team. Spectators were amazed by his performance.
In 2000-01, Zetterberg and his team made their debut in the Swedish Elite League. He insists it was during this period of time that he truly began to grow as a player. As the season came to a close, Zetterberg was honored with Sweden’s Rookie of the Year award, and was also tied for fourth in the league's scoring race with 15 goals and 46 points in 47 games.
In 2001-02, Zetterberg finished the season with 10 goals and 22 assists in 48 games. It was a feat that helped him capture the Golden Puck award, an honor received by the best player in Elitserien.
Zetterberg’s stats are great, and continue to improve over the years. He had a career year in 2007-2008, scoring 43 goals and 92 points in 75 games. He also won the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoff MVP. His career numbers include 152 goals, 180 assists, and 332 points in 355 games.
His numbers are great, and his defensive play is even better. This unbelievable two-way combination will result in his Hall of Fame induction after he retires.
Other players profiled this series:
No. 10: Jason Spezza
No. 9: Henrik Lundqvist
No. 8 Rick Nash
No. 7: Dion Phanuef
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3 months ago
even if his offensive production doesn't get him in, his defensive skills will be that final push he needs to get into the hall after he retires.
the few stanley cups he will probably win are also going to help
3 months ago
isnt is one if the most obvious things that zetterberg will be in the hall of fame. I live near detroit and i watch every wings game, he's like one of the top 5 players in the nhl. who couldnt guess that he will be a future hall of famer, everyone would say that he will be!
3 months ago
If he does get in its not because of his offensive abillity
3 months ago
Z is hands down top three players in the NHL that aren't named Crosby or Ovechkin.
He has offence, he has defence, he hits and he works hard out there.
Great article Alan!
3 months ago
I think Zetterberg should be a bit higher up on this list. He's a great player on an unbelievably talented team. If he stays healthy, he's going to have a phenomenal career with the Wings.
3 months ago
Zata deserves a much higher slot, but I'd rather he be underrated than touted to be the best player ever...
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