Former Red Wings Captain Happy to Fade Away

While many of his contemporaries busy themselves seeking to rebuild the team to what it once was, former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg is delighted to go unnoticed.

“I stay a little quieter,” Zetterberg explained to Swedish website Expressen.

“It was the same when I played. I don’t want the attention. I was in the media because I needed to be in the media.”

Člen Triple Gold Clubu Henrik Zetterberg rozpráva o časoch v Detroite s Tomášom Tatarom. pic.twitter.com/Z8Vy2Pb3LV

— Tomáš Prokop (@Lewysko) May 13, 2025

That’s certainly true. During his time in Detroit, Zetterberg was a player who went about his business. As captain, he knew it was his duty to regularly addresss the media. Still, it was apparent he was never a big fan of being the focal point.

He was never rude about it. In fact, Zetterberg could be quite entertaining to talk to. He possesses a biting wit. One time, when I was working on a children’s book in which he was to be one of the subjects, he was happy to co-operate. In fact, he shared some delightful stories.

Still, he was always someone who preferred to let his actions speak louder than his words.

“I had no problem with it as a player, but I was probably not the most entertaining player to interview,” Zetterberg said. “So when I retired and didn’t need to be in the media, I stayed away as much as I could.”

Nearly Seven Years Since Zetterberg Left Red Wings

Hard to believe that this fall will mark the start of the eighth NHL season since Zetterberg hung up the blades. A chronic back issue forced his retirement in September of 2018.

Congratulations to Henrik Zetterberg on an incredible career! pic.twitter.com/0xr4Z5LCOJ

— The Hockey Gods! (@HockeyGods) September 14, 2018

It was a relief to him in more ways than one.

“When I left, I was ready for it,” Zetterberg said. “I was done.

“I’m glad I did what I did. But I’m just as glad I don’t have to do it anymore, at least not the boring stuff. So when I quit, it was just a matter of finding other things in life.”

Zetterberg, 44, involves himself with several business ventures. He’s a partner in Marsblade, a revolutionary change in skate blade technology. Former teammate Niklas Kronwall is also involved in that and he and Zetterberg are partners in a program bringing the game of padel to North America. Zetterberg also has a number of baguette shops with his wife Emma, as well as investments in the automotive industry.

He’s also getting to spend plenty of being a dad to his son Love.

“I like my life,” Zetterberg said. “Life is fun.”