Zetterberg content in retirement

Removed now a full season from his NHL career and his duties as captain of the Detroit Red Wings, in retrospect Henrik Zetterberg harbors zero regrets about his choice to walk away from his hockey career prior to the 2018-19 campaign. “I probably got out in the right time,… Zetterberg said. The chronic back ailment that got to the point where had he continued to play it would have jeopardized his health, is at least liveable in retirement. “I still have my struggles once in awhile but overall, health wise it’s probably the best I’ve felt in many years,… Zetterberg said. He insists that not once did he have an inkling to get back on the ice and play once more. “No,… Zetterberg said. “I know what it takes to even start the process. “In a way it’s not just playing hockey. It was showing up here on October 7 and we think we’ll play until we’re 50. But you have to go through so much to even get there. The body tells you when it’s time.… The former captain also asserted that he’ll have no input in who will follow him wearing the C for the Red Wings, but all but verified that the person who will wear in next will be Dylan Larkin. “I don’t think I will have any say in it,… Zetterberg said. “I think that list is pretty short and I think we all know who that will be. “Whenever it happens, it is the right guy.… Holmstrom Goes Home Axel Holmstrom decided that the waiting wasn’t only the hardest part, in the end it just wasn’t worth it. The Swedish center who spent the past two seasons with Detroit’s AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids has decided to return home. Tuesday, it was announced that Holmstrom has signed a two-year deal with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League, that country’s top tier of pro hockey. It is a player that we know previously (who) holds a high class both in the defensive and the offensive (end of the rink),… Johan Hult, sports manager at HV71, said on the club’s website. “He is at a good age and still hungry for development and (with) a drive to win.… The 22-year-old Holmstrom scored 12 goals for Grand Rapids this season, included four power-play markers and three game winners. He posted a stellar 20 percent shooting percentage. Holmstrom joined Grand Rapids late in the 2016-17 AHL season and was part of the Griffins’ Calder Cup win that spring. He represented Sweden in two world junior tournaments. Holmstrom was named Swedish junior player of the year in 2015. Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer