Henrik Zetterberg Injury: Updates on Red Wings Forward's Knee and Return

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg is nursing a knee injury, but it isn't expected to delay his 2016-17 debut. 

Continue for updates. 

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Zetterberg Anticipates Being Ready for Start of Season

Friday, Sept. 16

According to Dana Wakiji of the team's official website, Zetterberg suffered the injury during off-ice training over the summer. He also discussed missing the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, which takes place from September 17 to October 1:

"

When I said no to the World Cup, it gives me time to come back 100 percent for the season starting. We've got plenty of time now. I didn’t have that if I was going to the World Cup. Missing camp, obviously it’s not optimal. You want to be up there, you want to be with the guys and skate with them but if I’m not, I will still be up there, maybe not participate as long.

"

Zetterberg, 35, may be past his prime, but he continued to churn out solid numbers for the Red Wings last season, when he appeared in all 82 regular-season games. 

All told, Zetterberg finished with 13 goals and 37 assists on the heels of a 2014-15 campaign that saw him post 17 goals and 49 assists. 

Losing Zetterberg for any sort of extended stretch would debilitate the team's offense, but it sounds like the 13-year veteran is on track to be back at 100 percent by the time the start of the regular season rolls around. 

Following three straight first-round postseason exits, Detroit will need its left winger at full strength if it hopes to piece together a resurgent campaign.