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I remember.

I can see it going either way. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a big camp / pre-season and starts in Detroit, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has an okay camp / pre-season (like the prospects tournament) and starts in Grand Rapids. What I would be surprised about is Zadina playing the full season in the AHL. I think he'll get a look at some point this season. I'd be fine with Zadina starting in GR though. It would give me an excuse to get back into watching more Griffins games.

*condolence butt pats*

"He's not retiring. He's just unable to play hockey anymore."

https://www.nhl.com/news/maple-leafs-react-to-henrik-zetterberg-leaving-hockey/c-300135754?tid=277548856 Zetterberg's influence on Matthews came from Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock, who coached Zetterberg in Detroit from 2005-15. Matthews spent hours during his rookie season of 2016-17 with Babcock watching videos of the Red Wings center.

I think I'm gonna get some Griffins games IN this season. Detroit isn't THAT far away from Grand Rapids and travel, plus game, hotel, etc. probably on par with what it might cost to take the fam to LCA for the evening.

This is great! Meh, like I said, doesn't matter really. He is signed, Z is retired. I don't want to turn this thread into a Larkin discussion. I'm happy for both. Z will be missed, much like all of our past Red Wings.

Thank goodness for your instant told ya so. We almost forgot for a second that you said he was done for 3 years straight. Youve got to be right eventually. Thanks for all the memories Z, you left everything on the ice, including your back! You will be missed by all out there, and were much worse off without you. Hopefully you can enjoy the rest of your life with your family without discomfort!

Watched Holland's presser. He made it clear that this became a real possibility last season and everyone had been trying to keep the whole thing as quiet as possible. It's a good reminder that we as fans don't know half of what's really going on behind the scenes at any given time. "WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU SIGN VANEK?!" soon gives way to "Oh, Z's probably done and Vanek would provide some veteran leadership and could help fill the scoring void Z would leave behind. That makes sense."

I have to say I'm surprised Kronwall outlasted him

Great career, lots of highlight reel moments, perfect time to retire. Any chance he can put on a jersey on opening night, participate in the warm up skate, get out on the ice one more time so the fans can give him a proper farewell?

Still waiting for all the people in the know who were talking about Z being done to come out and say that Larkin got paid more because of it. Oh wait, they haven't. Cuz it didn't happen.

Going out a legend. I feel so thankful that I got to witness his career from start to finish, as he stayed loyal to the red and white through good times and bad. I hope his long-term quality of life is tolerable and i'll never forget the sacrifices he made for the good of the team, the fans, and the city of Detroit. Hank and Pavel in their prime was such a gift to us, and to the sport, and he will go down in NHL history among the all-time elite. Thanks for everything Z, this is always tough as a fan to see your captain go, and a new generation to start to take form. First it was Yzerman and Lidstrom, then Pavel and Hank, next, Larkin and Zadina? Time to drive forward with the youth and LGW! This season won't be the same without him.

I'm so sad! I was really hoping for one more year. Thank you, Z, for all you have done for Detroit and all of the amazing memories.

Thanks for al the Meme-ories Captain. The Beard will be remembered

So much respect for this guy. One of my favorite Red Wings and one of the GOATs. Now if all you hack journalists could revisit your preseason team overviews: the Wings are no longer "in cap hell" and have gotten significantly younger.

Could see it coming a little obviously but still a sad day thanks for everything, Z. Hopefully he still has enough of a back to enjoy retirement.. he’s earned it.

Sad to see him go but he needs to take of himself now with a 3 year old running around.

Yeah. I dunno. 12 packs of beer are pretty commonplace too. So, maybe it was 12+. ...but you can get a 30 pack of Lebatt Blue for the price of a 12 pack of something "better". Guess it depends on his tastes and such. I'm sure a case isn't out of the realm of possibility. Maybe not EVERY night. ...but regularly. Sure. I can see it. Couple of months ago when I wasn't in such a great place I was putting back 4-6 beers or a combo of a few beers plus a cocktail or two nightly. Thankfully, my ship has righted, but... I can see how it could get to a place that was much much worse. It sucks that depression has such as stigma attached to it. It sucks that you're just supposed to "figure things out" or "move on" or "man-up." I know I'm a huge smart ass on here a lot but if anyone ever just needs an ear. I will listen.

My favorite is when the appropriating group thinks they can decide what is and what isn't cultural appropriation.

15 years just came and went. His storied career will rank right up there with Captain, Lids and Pavs. I hope he enjoys his time off and perhaps once Stevie returns, maybe there will be a job offer. We really need to retain some of these guys to keep that level of committment, culture and excellence going and to guide the young men coming up in what it means to wear the Winged Wheel. Once the puck drops in 2 weeks, it will really hit home that he is gone. I am really choked up writing this. Thank you Hank. Thank you.