A two-time member of Sweden's World Junior team (2000-2001), Zetterberg was a member of Sweden's 2002 Winter Olympic Team in Salt Lake City, Utah while making the 2002-03 NHL season his first professional season in North America.

The runner-up in Calder Trophy voting, Zetterberg led all NHL rookies scoring with 44 points (22-22-44) and was on his way to bettering his totals in sophomore season, before he suffered a broken leg. Although he played a mere 61 games, Zetterberg recorded 43 points (15-28-43).

During the NHL lockout, Zetterberg returned home to Sweden to play for Timra IK and led the Swedish Elite League in scoring. When the league returned to action in 2005-06, Zetterberg would set a career high in goals, assists, and points at the time.

The 2007-08 season would prove to be another productive one for Zetterberg. He would record at least a point in each of the Red Wings first 17 games and go on to set new career highs with 43 goals, 49 assists and 92 points.

The Red Wings would go on to capture the 2008 Stanley Cup, their fourth title in 11 years, with Zetterberg playing a pivotal role. He led the Red Wings with 13 goals and 27 points in the post-season and his +16 rating was tied for tops amongst all playoff performers.

Zetterberg would record 66 points for the Red Wings during the 2014-15 season, marking the eighth time in his career that he would reach the 60-point mark. The following season he would notch 50 points while appearing in all 82 games.

On the international stage, Zetterberg is a six-time member of Sweden's World Championship team, helping his homeland to gold in 2006. He is also a four-time Olympian, earning a gold medal in 2006 and a silver in 2014. By virtue of his Olympic gold, World Championship gold and Stanley Cup title, Zetterberg is a member of the exclusive Triple Gold Club.