Henrik Zetterberg Would Be 'Overjoyed' If Named Red Wings Captain

With the retirement of defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, a spot has opened up at captain for the Detroit Red Wings. Reports have been that the leading contender for that job is LW Henrik Zetterberg. The veteran has been one of three alternate captains for the Red Wings and has spent nine seasons with the team.

Linus Huggoson of Pro Hockey Magazine reports that Zetterberg would be a happy man if he were selected to replace Lidstrom.

Henrik Zetterberg to @viasathockey: "I'd be overjoyed if I'm asked to wear the C." Adds that nothing is official yet. #redwings

— Linus Hugosson (@linushugosson) August 26, 2012

Zetterberg played in all 82 games last season, amassing 69 points on 22 goals and 47 assists. His assist total ranked him 16th in the NHL.

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Henrik Zetterberg Expected To Be Named Next Red Wings Captain

One of the big questions that will arise after Nicklas Lidstrom officially retires on Thursday is about who will step in his place as the next captain of the Detroit Red Wings. Right now, the Red Wings' three alternate captains are Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall. The favorite to become the next team captain is Zetterberg, according to Helene St. James.

Bank on Henrik Zetterberg being named the next captain of the Detroit #RedWings

— Helene St. James (@freepwings) May 30, 2012

Zetterberg is the logical choice to be the next captain of the Red Wings. He has played for the Red Wings since the 2002-03 season, and he is signed to continue playing for the team through the 2020-21 season. He is one of the premier players in the NHL and is one of the Red Wings' leaders.

If Zetterberg is named the next captain of the Red Wings, Datsyuk and Kronwall will continue serving as two of the alternate captains. Should the Red Wings fill the third alternate spot, it will be interesting to see who ends up with it.

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