The Red Wings have doubts that Henrik Zetterberg will be ready for the start of training camp. (MLive/Mike Mulholland)

Henrik Zetterberg will report to Detroit Red Wings training camp in mid-September. After that, it remains to be seen what happens.

He must pass a physical to take part in training camp. If he’s cleared, then he’ll test his troublesome back on the ice before it’s determined whether he can play in a preseason game.

Realistically, it doesn't appear that he'll play again. Based on general manager Ken Holland's recent comments about how difficult the offseason has been for the Detroit captain, it doesn't sound like he'll be ready for the start of the season. And if he's not ready at the start, he's probably played his last game.

Zetterberg’s status raised several questions from M-Live readers in this week’s mailbag:

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The Red Wings signed Dylan Larkin to a five-year extension earlier this month. (MLive/Mike Mulholland)

Timetable for a new captain

Q: If Zetterberg is done, will they name a new captain right away or go with three alternates for a while? Assuming (Dylan) Larkin is the next captain, is he ready for the role? Also, with (Niklas) Kronwall likely gone after this season, who gets the other 'A' along with (Justin) Abdelkader? – Bob

A: I'm sure they'll go with three alternates for at least this season, maybe for the following two seasons as well.

If Zetterberg can’t play, I doubt he’ll officially retire because the club would be hit with a cap recapture penalty of roughly $4.3 million in each of the next three seasons. He’ll go on LTIR for the duration of his contract (three seasons).

The Red Wings might not name another captain until Zetterberg retires. That time would allow Larkin to grow more into a leadership role before being given the 'C.' But three years is a long time to go without anyone wearing the 'C,' so maybe they make that move at the start of the 2019-20 season.

Who gets Kronwall’s ‘A’ in 2019-20? Frans Nielsen would be my guess. Danny DeKeyser is another possibility. I’m sure they’d like Anthony Mantha to grow into that leadership role, but they might think next season is too soon for him.

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Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg might have played his final game. (MLive/Mike Mulholland)

Mid-season return realistic for Zetterberg?

Q: Doesn't it make more sense for Zetterberg to take the first couple of months off, get more rest, and then join the team mid-season? He'll have more energy and even though I don't expect them to make the playoffs, who knows, maybe he'll help with the playoff push. – Ed

A: If Zetterberg misses training camp and any length of time at the start of the season, I think he's done playing. At his age (38 on Oct. 9), I doubt he'd be able to join the team mid-season and be able to perform at a level that would satisfy him.

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Might Andreas Athanasiou spend more time at center this season? (AP file photo)

Potential void at center without Zetterberg

Q: How much cap space will the Red Wings have if Zetterberg goes on long-term injured reserve? Will they use it to acquire a center? They seem a little thin there if Z is done. – D.R.

A: The amount of cap relief would depend on how close they are to the cap when they place him on LTIR, and there's some variables depending on who makes the season-opening roster.

I don’t expect them to pursue another center if Zetterberg can’t play. They’ll have Larkin and Nielsen centering the top two lines. They could use Andreas Athanasiou or Darren Helm as the third-line center. They would have either Helm or Luke Glendening centering the fourth line. If there’s an injury, they would bring up Dominic Turgeon from Grand Rapids to center the fourth line.

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Red Wings' 2016 top pick Evgeny Svechnikov is looking to bounce back. (AP file photo)

Order of recalls from Grand Rapids

Q: With the amount of potential NHL-ready forwards and defensemen, what do you think the potential order of call-ups would be? Do you agree that it should be (Evgeny) Svechnikov, then (David) Pope for wingers, and (Dominic) Turgeon then (Axel) Holmstrom for centers? On defense, it's really anyone's guess, but would you agree it should be (Libor) Sulak, Cholo (Dennis Cholowski) then (Joe) Hicketts? At goalie, one would assume Harri Sateri is first. This is of course assuming (Filip) Zadina and (Filip) Hronek make the squad and (Michael) Rasmussen is sent to the CHL. Also, do you think they will start (Luke) Witkowski in GR if Hank is healthy? – Patrick

A: I'm expecting Zadina, Rasmussen and Hronek to make the season-opening roster and Zetterberg not to be ready.

Call-ups are predicated on the player’s performance in Grand Rapids and what role and position the Red Wings need filled. I think your pecking order would be correct, or close to it.

Certainly, Turgeon would be first among centers and Holmstrom probably second. Svechnikov needs to be first among wingers by bouncing back from a down year with the Griffins, and I imagine Pope would be next on the list.

On defense, they like Sulak a lot and I’d expect him to be the first player recalled. He’s four years older than Cholowski and has pro experience. It’s difficult, especially for a defenseman, to make the jump from juniors to the NHL, so Cholowski likely will spend the entire season in the AHL. I think Hicketts is behind Sulak in the pecking order.

They also like Sateri a lot and I believe he’s the unquestioned No. 1 goalie in Grand Rapids and the top option if a recall is needed.

I think Witkowski would only go to Grand Rapids if they’re tight on cap space (and he clears waivers). Coach Jeff Blashill likes Witkowski’s versatility (ability to fill in at forward and defense) and the ability to plug him into the lineup on occasion to provide a different dimension with his toughness.

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The Red Wings are eager to get a look at Libor Sulak. (AP file photo)

Projecting Red Wings' 2019-20 blue line

Q: Here's my projected defense for 2019-20: DeKeyser, (Mike) Green, (Jonathan) Ericsson, Hronek, Sulak, Cholowski, Hicketts. Kronwall will retire. I think they'll trade (Trevor) Daley and (Nick) Jensen for picks at the deadline. How close to accurate do you think this is? – Anthony

A: It could be spot on. This will surely be Kronwall's final season. I'm guessing Jensen will either be dealt at the deadline or leave as an unrestricted free agent next summer because of the number of prospects that are close to the NHL. Daley has two years remaining on his deal, but his no-trade clause expires 10 days before the 2019 deadline, so if they're out of the playoff picture and are offered a second-round pick for him, they might make that move.

DeKeyser, Green and Ericsson are sure to be on the roster in 2019-20. I’d expect Hronek and Sulak on it as well. Daley is a possibility. We’ll see about Cholowski and Hicketts. If they’re not ready, the Red Wings would need to fill through free agency or trade.

If you have a Red Wings-related question, email me at akhan1@mlive.com.