Will Datsyuk and Zetterberg's jerseys hang from the rafters?

by atvman on Dec 2, 2011 6:36 PM CST

I was at a game a few weeks ago and debated this with my uncle and dad, will Datsyuk and Zetterberg's numbers be retired? They are both under long term contracts that should almost take them through their careers, odds are they'll retire as Red Wings. Are they good enough to hang with the all time great Red Wings?

Pavel Datsyuk's career has been defined by his two-way play and amazing puck handling. He's the best defensive forward of his generation and many think he's the most complete player in the game. His face-off record is sick. His highlight reel is spectacular, often making very good players look ridiculous. He's a perennial all star and probably a hall of famer.

Henrik Zetterberg is also known for being a great two way player. Hank's more of a goal scorer than Datsyuk, but he might give up a little on the defensive side. He's a great leader on the ice as well. Like Datsyuk, he makes an annual appearance at the all star game and is well on his way to the HOF.

Poll

Do Datsyuk and Zetterberg's numbers get retired?

Both

76 votes

Neither

20 votes

Just Datsyuk

56 votes

Just Zetterberg

2 votes

154 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Too early to say

If you look at the names already hanging up there, they haven’t been good players, they’ve been GREAT players. They have been leaders and figures of their teams for years.

Obviously Lidstrom’s number will be retired and as for these two, it’s just too early to tell.
Hank might get a slight advantage as he is most definatly the captain in line after Lidstrom retires.

Datsyukian Deke, Detroit Red Wings Blog
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by Detroitnr1 on Dec 2, 2011 9:34 PM CST reply actions

I hope it's not bad luck to talk about this

But hopefully both

"Goaltending is a normal job, sure. How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and 15,000 people stood up and yelled at you."
-Jacques Plante

by DetroitSports on Dec 2, 2011 10:18 PM CST reply actions

At this point, no. Ten years from now? Who knows.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Dec 2, 2011 11:19 PM CST reply actions

It would probably serve Zetterberg well to lead the Wings to a couple Cups when he gets the C.

I think if Datsyuk keeps going the way he is and winning Selkes, he’ll be considered one of the best two-way players ever.

Fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and Red Wings.

by Elfuego51 on Dec 3, 2011 10:10 AM CST reply actions

My best answer to that question is “I hope so” because it would mean that the next few years are going to be great.

by EthrDemon on Dec 5, 2011 11:08 AM CST reply actions

I think it's really important

how things end with Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Fedorov was a great player but with the way things ended in Detroit for him, we probably won’t see his number hanging up there. If these guys can continue to lead by example on the ice, I don’t see why you wouldn’t retire their numbers. I’ve always felt that it’s extra hard to have your number retired as a Red Wing, but these guys have given it their all in the past and will continue to do so barring any injuries and contract issues. Datsyuk is aging but I think his work ethic and play style will keep him in the game for a while. Gives it his all every shift, backchecking, stealing pucks, helping the D out, and PKing in all situations. He is to me, the best all-around player of this era. He does it all, I’m surprised he hasn’t played defense yet.

by MajesticY on Dec 5, 2011 9:44 PM CST reply actions

Maybe

I have a basic philosophy saying a player has to either be a great leader, a goalie or a norris trophy winner or have 1000+ points to get his number retired. Datsyuk is sitting at close to 700 points, a number of individual awards and 2 stanley cups – if he plays another 5 years at 60 points per year, gets another selke and wins another Stanley cup then 13 will definitely go to the rafters.

Zetterberg has only 1 cup, 1 individual trophy (I know the Conn Smythe is more important than Selke and Byng) and 100 points less than Pavel, he is also 2 years younger. Hank has to win 1 more cup at least and has to have a few years of 80+ points to get close to 1000, another individual award would help as well since he doesn’t have as many all-star nods as Pavel.

by gyldenlove on Dec 10, 2011 11:37 PM CST reply actions