Red Wings sign LW Zetterberg to 12-year deal

Jan 28, 2009 - 7:31 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday signed left wing Henrik Zetterberg to a 12-year contract that likely will keep last season's Conn Smythe Trophy winner in "Hockeytown" for the remainder of his career.

The Red Wings did not release financial terms, but MLive.com reported the deal is worth $72 million, which would make it the most lucrative contract in franchise history.

"We are thrilled that a player we drafted and developed will play out his career in Detroit with this lifetime contract," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said.

The 28-year-old Zetterberg enjoyed the best season of his career in 2007-08, collecting a career-high 43 goals and 49 assists. The Selke Trophy finalist also solidified his name among the best two-way players in the NHL.

The native of Sweden tallied 13 goals and 27 points in 22 playoff contests during Detroit's run to its fourth Stanley Cup in 11 years. It was Zetterberg's first title.

A gold medal winner with Sweden in the 2006 Olympic Games, Zetterberg has notched 169 goals and 375 points during his six-year NHL career - all spent with the Red Wings.

"Henrik is one of the world's premier players at both ends of the ice" Holland added. "This is a tremendous commitment on the part of the organization as well as by Henrik. We feel he is moving into the prime of his career and is another key to ensuring the long-term success of this franchise."

Zetterberg left Tuesday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period with back spasms and did not return to the contest.

Zetterberg, who was credited with an assist on Marian Hossa's power-play goal in the first period, has recorded 17 goals and 26 assists in 45 games this season.