Exemplary Leadership Skills of Red Wings Zetterberg Recalled

He has three Detroit Red Wings as teammates as the IIHF World Championship, but none of them are the Detroit player that Sweden’s Jonas Brodin lists as his favorite from the club.

More than a decade later, the Minnesota Wild defenseman still recalls with warm fondness the unique manner in which former Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg was welcoming him as a member of Tre Kronor.

Jonas Brodin with a HUGE goal for @Trekronorse!😲#MensWorlds #IIHF #SWEAUT pic.twitter.com/1CKjFZB74b

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 10, 2025

It was at the 2012 world tourney, Brodin’s first in his country’s colors. He scored a goal in a 6-1 win over Denmark, which would be his first in his country’s colors in the event.

Or did he?

“I don’t think it was my goal,” Brodin explained to Hockey News SE. “Zetterberg, I think he tipped it in. But he came up to me and said I’ll get this goal.

“I think he gave it to me. I think he was there and was driving. But he said he didn’t hit it, or anything like that.

“It’s a memory I’ll never forget. He took really good care of me, I remember. He was really kind.”

Red Wings Zetterberg Remembers It Well

Years later, Zetterberg smiles at the memory. Yes, he admits to Swedish website Expressen, perhaps he did tell a little white lie to the referees that day.

“I really think that was the case,” Zetterberg said, admitting his fondness for Brodin being the reason for his goal-scoring deceit.

“I remember when he came up as a young player,” Zetterberg recalled. “He was so mature in how he acted both on and off the ice. During your career, a couple of young players come along that you want to follow a little extra. Jonas was one of those.”

2006. How Swede it is. Three giants (this team had lots of giants) of the 2006 edition of Team Sweden, celebratre their Gold Medal victory. Daniel Alfredsson, Henrik Lundqvist & Henrik Zetterberg. #TreKroner #Sweden pic.twitter.com/AGTqH1osd9

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) July 28, 2021

Thirteen years later, Brodin is seeking to do what Zetterberg accomplished in 2006 – help Sweden win a world title.

“When I look at him now,” Zetterberg said, “I don’t know if I can call him a veteran, but almost. He’s so, so stable.

“One of the most fun things about being allowed to be here at the World Cup is that you get to meet so many players you played with and against.”