TRAVERSE CITY — Detroit Red Wings Henrik Zetterberg is calling his career.

A degenerative back issue has forced the team captain to step down for good.

“It is emotional,” Zetterberg said Friday. “It’s been 15 years here and even though I knew that I was on my last couple years, I wish that I could play a little bit longer.”

Zetterberg steps away having played 1,082 games, and having produced 960 points. He has a Stanley Cup title from 2008, the same year he was named playoff MVP.

More:What's next for Wings with Henrik Zetterberg retiring?

The decision was not unexpected, as Zetterberg has been dealing with back problems for years. He underwent surgery on a disc in 2014. He stopped practicing last January, but was able to continue playing.

“He carried the torch. When Nick Lidstrom retired he became the captain,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s one of the greatest Red Wings players of this storied franchise.”

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.