from Craig Custance of The Athletic,

The picture likely won’t clear up until training camp but the implications of Zetterberg’s health, both short and long term, are considerable. Especially on these fronts:

On-ice impact
This is where it could get ugly for the Red Wings. The key to winning consistently in the NHL is to have a distinct advantage on the ice over your opponent in different areas of the game. Where a player slots in the lineup is a huge part of that. For example, if you have Phil Kessel as your top-line winger, your team might be pretty good. If you have Phil Kessel as your third-line winger, you’re going to win multiple Stanley Cups. That becomes a legitimate competitive advantage.

Even at this point in his career, Zetterberg can play other top lines and hold his own.

more (paid sub.)...