About Me
Henrik Zetterberg was considered 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, management figured he would be more of a fourth-line winger, who would most likely have to pay his dues in the minors. But, much to their surprise, the Njurunda native proved to be a third-line workhorse filled with determination and will. Earning praise from veterans like Leafs’ captain Mats Sundin, who said the talented young winger reminded him Peter Forseberg, Zetterberg has overcome the odds and emerged as an asset to the organization.Prior to the opening of the 1999-00 season, Zetterberg attracted a great deal of interest from a variety of Swedish Elite League teams. However, despite the temptation, he opted to remain in Timra with the hope of elevating the team into the country's top league.Within no time at all, Zetterberg established himself as the league's most dangerous offensive talent. Notching 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.During that same year, Zetterberg was named assistant captain of Sweden's World Junior team. True to his nature, he gave 100 percent effort to the tournament and finished with three goals and five points in seven games. Spectators were left amazed; quickly pointing out Zetterberg was by far the country’s best forward throughout the event.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. On the international level, Zetterberg not only represented Sweden in both the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and World Championships, but also dazzled the crowd with an amazing four-goal performance in the gold medal final at the Swedish Hockey Games. That performance was the deciding factor in making Zetterberg "Best Swede," an honor given to the country's top participant in international competition.In May 2002, Zetterberg signed a three-year, $2.5-million contract with the Detroit Red Wings.Personal: Zetterberg hails from the small East Coast town of Njurunda, Sweden. Growing up he played hockey almost everyday with his friends. During the summer months, after hockey season had come to a close, the same group of friends would gather for an exhilarating game of soccer. Zetterberg credits his fellow countrymen; Tomas Holstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom, for helping him embrace both the NHL and life in North America
