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Detroit Red Wings: How to start the rebuild

By Patrick Rocca

Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; The players skate onto the ice before the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils at Joe Louis Arena. This is the last game the Red Wings will play at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; The players skate onto the ice before the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils at Joe Louis Arena. This is the last game the Red Wings will play at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) smiles after the game against the New Jersey Devils during the post game press conference at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings won 4-1 in their final game at the Joe. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Henrik Zetterberg (40) smiles after the game against the New Jersey Devils during the post game press conference at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings won 4-1 in their final game at the Joe. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade Henrik Zetterberg

This is a controversial opinion, but I believe it to be the correct one. Henrik Zetterberg has been an admirable captain, and watching his growth with the Wings has been a pleasure for all hockey fans. However if the Red Wings can part with the likes of Sergei Fedorov, then they can part with Zetterberg too.

The aging veteran’s $6.083 million AAV is taking up valuable cap space. The Wings cannot afford to keep him on the roster another four seasons. With 68 points in 82 games, the 36 year old still has value to some team.

Even if it means retaining a large portion of his salary, the Red Wings should trade Zetterberg while he still has value. With cap retention, some GM should be willing to take a flyer on him.

Next: Detroit Red Wings 2000-09 All-Decade Team

As it stands right now though, Zetterberg is actively hurting the team. It’s painful to even type that sentence out, but it is true. He is too old to be a part of this team’s future cup contention window, and he is too good of a player to let rot on a bottom feeder. Parting ways would be the healthiest decision for both parties.

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