If Datsyuk had Z's english I think he would have been the captain.
Doubtful they have been doing this for awhile. They put him next to Yzerman when he came over, he was a leader before he left Sweden. He didn't need to be convinced to put on a letter. He has had an open dialogue with management and coaches to a higher level this entire time. On top of that he has a lifelong contract with quite a bit more time on it and no desire to go home or the threat of that.
If you listened to the guys from the room it didn't sound like it was even a close thought. Datsyuk himself seemed to think Zetterberg is the perfect choice. If they had the players pick the captain he would likely be the winner. The signs were all there, Datsyuk is an important leader but Zetterberg is the obvious guy for everyone on the team now that Lidstrom has left. Their comments show this and all the signs and other factors point to it, that is not a slight to Datsyuk but really a credit to who Zetterberg is.