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Nicklas Lidstrom News & Rumors

Retire or return? No decision yet from Red Wings captain Lidstrom
May 19
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom is no closer to making a decision on his future with the Red Wings. Appearing at an autograph signing Friday at Warrior & Brine Sports in Warren, Lidstrom said he's still in the process of deciding whether to return next season for his 21st season or retire. "I've been taking my time and I haven't really gotten to that process yet," said Lidstrom, looking tanned and relaxed after having just returned from a brief Florida vacation with his wife. "I haven't really gotten any closer to a decision." Lidstrom, who turned 42 on April 28, talked with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland during exit interviews and said they planned on touching base when Holland returns from the"
Lidstrom not up for Norris; team faces an award shutout
April 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"The fact defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom's name wasn't included among the finalists for the 2012 Norris Trophy leaves the Red Wings in short representation at the NHL Awards show in June. Lidstrom is practically synonymous with the trophy for best defenseman, having won it seven times, including last year. He had a great first half this season and appeared on track to be a finalist. However, he ended up missing a dozen games during the second half because of illness and injury, and wasn't among the top three vote-getters. The finalists are Ottawa's Erik Karlsson, Nashville's Shea Weber, and Boston's Zdeno Chara. The winner will be announced June 20 in Las Vegas, along with the complete voting"
Nicklas Lidstrom won't collect an eighth Norris Trophy
April 27
Detroit News
 
"No early birthday present for Nicklas Lidstrom. The legendary defenseman, who'll turn 42 Saturday, was not on the list of Norris Trophy finalists announced Thursday. Lidstrom has won seven Norris trophies, trailing only Bobby Orr (eight). The award is given to the top defenseman. The Norris winner will be announced Jan. 20 at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas. Nashville's Shea Weber, Boston's Zdeno Chara and Ottawa's Erik Karlsson were named finalists, as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Lidstrom played 70 games this season, scoring 34 points (11 goals) and was a plus-21."
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom may want to bring back Tomas Holmstrom
April 26
Detroit Free Press
 
""Are they a pair?" Red Wings coach Mike Babcock wondered as he segued from talking about Nicklas Lidstrom's future to that of Tomas Holmstrom. It has seemed that way for years with Lidstrom and Holmstrom, with their driving to work together and delightful sniping at each other over stealing goals. The hard fact after the Wings' elimination in the first round of the playoffs is that change will happen -- and Holmstrom may be part of it. Speaking Tuesday, the day the Wings cleaned out their lockers at Joe Louis Arena, Holmstrom sounded like a man who suspected his 39-year-old body might not stand up to another summer of training followed by the long regular season. "I love the game, I would"
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom: 'I won't make a decision soon' on retirement
April 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"The way it happens is that Nicklas Lidstrom calls Ken Holland and suggests they meet; Holland spends the intervening time not sleeping; they meet, and in 5 minutes, it's over. "It's Game 7," Holland said Tuesday when describing what it's like to wait to find out whether Lidstrom will return or retire. The Wings have gone through it the past few years and are doing so again this spring, as Lidstrom, who will be 42 on Saturday, mulls his future. The Wings very much want him back. "In the past, he's come in, he's said, 'I want to meet you next Tuesday,' and it'll be like Thursday or Friday," Holland said. "So now you sit and you stew for three, four days, because you've got a meeting, but you"
Red Wings hold out hope it isn't Nicklas Lidstrom's time just yet
April 25
Detroit News
 
"Every year since the last championship parade in 2008, the Red Wings playoff run has included a gut-wrenching, winner-take-all series finale. And it might surprise you to hear Red Wings general manager Ken Holland say he's still expecting one this June, even after his team was eliminated in the first round in five games by the Predators last week. But when I asked Holland on Tuesday what the anticipation is like surrounding what is now an annual rite of spring — Nick Lidstrom's decision on whether to retire or continue his remarkable career — he offered the only analogy that made sense. "You mean when I get the call he's coming over?" said Holland, long after the 2011-12 roster had"
Even Nicklas Lidstrom doesn't know what he'll do yet
April 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"There was not much humor in the Red Wings' dressing room Friday night. The Wings were not just beaten. They were stunned. The Nashville Predators had just de-fanged them in five games. Henrik Zetterberg sounded frustrated. Niklas Kronwall sounded sullen. Nicklas Lidstrom sounded like Nicklas Lidstrom. He never changes his demeanor, and this never changes for the Wings: The summer starts with No. 5. Lidstrom must decide whether to retire, prematurely, at 42. "I'm going to take a few weeks," said Lidstrom, who turns 42 next Saturday. "I'm sure Kenny (Holland) wants to sit down and go over a few things as well. I'll see what he wants to do and what timetable he'll give me." I don't know what"
Retirement? Nicklas Lidstrom still has wait-and-see attitude
April 20
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Helene St. James
"Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom hears the question nearly everywhere he goes, and always the answer is the same: Wait and see. The Wings' precarious position in their first-round series against the Predators has prompted speculation about the future of Lidstrom. If the Wings lose Game 5 tonight in Nashville, they're done for the season; Lidstrom, maybe for his legendary career. Coach Mike Babcock doesn't consider that likely, but knows it's a topic that's bound to come up given the situation."
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom is ahead of the game
April 8
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Michael Rosenberg
"You will never figure him out. Everybody around the Red Wings says that about Nicklas Lidstrom. Tell them you want to get inside the mind of Lidstrom -- to understand his genius, to see what he sees. They laugh or shake their heads. "It's impossible to know how he can think that good," coach Mike Babcock said. Impossible? "He's Picasso," general manager Ken Holland said. "They think differently. It's a gift." OK, fine. Let's just observe. Sit in the stands. Watch Lidstrom. Come back and watch again, and again and again, and ... well, admit it: You see nothing. You know you are watching one of the best players in hockey history. But he looks like just another good player to you. It's not"
Nicklas Lidstrom returns, Red Wings rally
March 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom finally came back. And so did the Wings. Captain Lidstrom returned from an 11-game absence Saturday night and played in his first game since he suffered a deep bone bruise on his right ankle Feb. 25. Maybe it was the confidence Lidstrom instilled on the blue line. Maybe it was the leadership his example provided. Maybe it was just the Wings finally playing like a desperate hockey team getting ready for the playoffs. Whatever the reason, the Wings rallied from a three-goal deficit and beat Carolina, 5-4, to end a six-game winless streak (0-4-2). Henrik Zetterberg scored twice, and Valtteri Filppula had three assists. Drew Miller scored the winner at"
Doug Janik demotion could signal return of Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom
March 23
Detroit News
 
"Some injured Red Wings are about to return. The first sign of that came Thursday morning, when defenseman Doug Janik was reassigned to minor-league affiliate Grand Rapids. The Wings anticipate that Nicklas Lidstrom (deep ankle bruise) or Jakub Kindl (oblique muscle) — or possibly both — will be ready for Saturday's game against Carolina."
Red Wings get mixed bag of injury news; Nicklas Lidstrom skates, Darren Helm out
March 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings had a bit of a mixed bag Monday: Encouraging news on captain Nicklas Lidstrom, regular-season-ending news on Darren Helm. It speaks to how desperate for good news on the injury front the Wings are that the first words out of general manager Ken Holland's mouth in regard to finding Helm has a sprained left MCL were: At least it's not an ACL; at least there's no surgery. The Wings have seen their sick bay swell over the past month, so to see Lidstrom really skate for the first time in three weeks and do some drills caused elation. "He skate well," Pavel Datsyuk said. "He looks like he need maybe couple more times skate, then be for sure like he usually is.""
Red Wings look off course minus captain Nicklas Lidstrom's calming influence during skid
March 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings take pride in their depth and work ethic. But if the past couple of weeks are any proof, it's how incredibly important and irreplaceable defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is. Having played back-to-back games, the Wings used Thursday to recover, a break needed as much mentally as physically after losing 4-0 at Anaheim on Wednesday night after losing 5-2 at Los Angeles on Tuesday. Lidstrom flew home Thursday as the Wings decided to see whether four days of rest will improve the deep bone bruise in his right ankle that he has had since getting hit by a puck Feb. 25."
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom returns to Detroit early to rest ankle
March 16
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom will return to Detroit on Thursday, two days ahead of the team, and the Red Wings said he will remain off the ice for three to four days to allow more time for the deep bone bruise in his right ankle to heal. That schedule would likely keep Lidstrom out of the lineup at least through the end of next week, given his need for some skating and practices. "I think we're all a little discouraged," said Ken Holland, executive vice-president and general manager of the Red Wings. "Nick had the injury (Feb. 25) and the doctors felt it would be about two weeks. But it's not healing as quickly as we felt or hoped.""
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom not showing signs of improvement
March 15
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom's ankle feels worse, and the Red Wings captain is more frustrated. "I was more sore today when I skated," Lidstrom said after a two- or three-minute spin on the ice at the Honda Center, where the struggling Red Wings played the Ducks on Wednesday. "I don't think it's good, so they want me to be more cautious about it." Lidstrom is always even-keeled. But he seemed a bit irritated with the injury during a session with the media after the optional morning skate."
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom gets impatient waiting to play
March 14
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom is about to set a record, not that he is enjoying it much, mind you. The Wings' captain and mainstay on the blue line for 20 years will miss his seventh consecutive game Tuesday night, against the Kings at the Staples Center. He missed six consecutively only once, in 2008 with a knee injury. The durability is an accomplishment, he acknowledged. But the recovery from the deep bone bruise is wearisome. "After a while, you get sick and tired of sitting around and watching the guys playing," he said. "You want to be part of it, you want to be on the ice and be part of the team, again.""
Nicklas Lidstrom out; Red Wings call up three players
March 6
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Red Wings have called up defenseman Doug Janik, forward Chris Conner and goaltender Jordan Pearce to offset the losses of Jimmy Howard, Todd Bertuzzi and Jakub Kindl, all of whom will miss Tuesday's game at Philadelphia. "It's all about opportunity isn't it?" Wings coach Mike Babcock said after practice Monday. "You can go around feeling sorry for yourself which is an absolute waste of time or you can find more players. "The bottom line is guys that aren't healthy that are trying to play and can't move, they're not doing us any good anyway," Babcock continued. "So let's have a bunch of guys that are healthy, let's get after it and let's win some games.""
Nicklas Lidstrom befuddled by deep bone bruise
March 3
Detroit News
 
"This waiting is taking longer than expected for Nicklas Lidstrom. And it's not anything Lidstrom enjoys. But he's going to have to do it a few more days. Lidstrom still is bothered by a bone bruise on his right ankle and missed Friday's game against Minnesota and will miss Sunday's game against Chicago. That means he'll be out at least three games, longer than Lidstrom expected to be out and leaving him wondering when he'll return. "Especially when it's been a week and it's still sore," he said. "I was hoping a few days and miss one game and I'd be right back. But it's been lingering longer than I thought it would." The plan is for Lidstrom to stay off the foot through the weekend and be"
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom out at least two games with ankle injury
March 2
Detroit News
 
"The Red Wings have had mostly good luck with injuries this season, but as March begins the list of wounded lengthens. Nicklas Lidstrom rarely has missed a game during his 20-year career. But he will miss a second and third in a row and not play until at least Tuesday against the Flyers. Lidstrom sustained a bruised bone in his ankle during the second period last weekend against the Avalanche on a puck that was cleared around the boards. Multiple X-rays revealed no break. But Lidstrom's ankle remains sore and difficult to put in a skate."
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom won't play vs. Blue Jackets tonight
February 28
Detroit News
 
"The last time the Red Wings played without Nicklas Lidstrom in the lineup, Jan. 25 in Montreal, the Wings lost 7-2. "If I'm not mistaken they were up 4-0 after four minutes," coach Mike Babcock said after Tuesday's morning skate. "I don't think we need to relive that, do we?" The Wings will find out about life without Lidstrom again Tuesday night against the Blue Jackets. They'll be without Lidstrom, who is nursing a sore ankle, and Kyle Quincey, who has a sore groin."
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom, Kyle Quincey banged up
February 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"Captain Nicklas Lidstrom traveled with the Red Wings to Columbus on Monday, an encouraging sign he's upbeat about playing tonight against the Blue Jackets. Lidstrom has a sore ankle. The Wings already will be without defenseman Kyle Quincey at least through Friday with a sore groin. Brendan Smith was called up from Grand Rapids to offset the loss of Quincey, and Jakub Kindl will counter the absence of Jonathan Ericsson (wrist). If Lidstrom isn't available, coach Mike Babcock said Doug Janik would be called up from Grand Rapids."
Filming for TV special on Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom is 'different'
January 17
Detroit News
 
"It's time for Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to get ready for his closeup. The NHL announced Monday that Lidstrom will be profiled in "NHL 36," an all-access show to air first on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. on the new 24-hour NBC Sports Network. An NHL Original Productions crew will follow Lidstrom for 36 straight hours beginning Monday. The show is expected to include footage of Lidstrom before, during and after the Red Wings' home game Monday night against the Sabres and Tuesday's matchup against the Stars in Dallas."
Lidstrom, Selanne all-star rejections send wrong message to fans
January 16
Ottawa Citizen
 columnist Ken Warren
"Most of the time, Nicklas Lidstrom and Teemu Selanne deserve the utmost respect. They are two of the very best who ever played at their positions. They've done wonders in making the NHL a truly international league. If they ever retire, they'll quickly find a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. All that aside, though, why has the NHL allowed them to become bigger than the game? Or, more precisely, bigger than the All-Star Game? In case you somehow missed it — perhaps lost in the shocking success of the Ottawa Senators, the end of Tebow-mania, the Liberal convention in Ottawa or the ugly drawn out race to find a new Republican leader — Lidstrom and Selanne won't be coming here for All-Star"
Nicklas Lidstrom leads Red Wings by example -- again
December 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"For a while in the second period of Tuesday's 3-2 victory over St. Louis, the Red Wings looked lost. Goaltender Jimmy Howard misplayed the puck and passed it to the Blues -- twice -- while the Wings were on the power play. They were outshot at one point in the second period, 18-10. They looked flat-footed and appeared unaware they hadn't lost at Joe Louis Arena since Nov. 3. Then something happened. Nicklas Lidstrom, as he has often done over 19 seasons, led his team out of its morass. He scored a power-play goal with 1:03 left in the second period. "He's our leader," Howard said. "He's our go-to guy and once again he found a way to get us going." The goal cut the Blues' lead to 2-1. But"
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom leads by example -- again
December 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"For a while in the second period of Tuesday's 3-2 victory over St. Louis, the Red Wings looked lost. Goaltender Jimmy Howard misplayed the puck and passed it to the Blues -- twice -- while the Wings were on the power play. They were outshot at one point in the second period, 18-10. They looked flat-footed and appeared unaware they hadn't lost at Joe Louis Arena since Nov. 3. Then something happened. Nicklas Lidstrom, as he has often done over 19 seasons, led his team out of its morass. He scored a power-play goal with 1:03 left in the second period. "He's our leader," Howard said. "He's our go-to guy and once again he found a way to get us going." The goal cut the Blues' lead to 2-1. But"
Nicklas Lidstrom's big night is a dreary one for Red Wings
October 23
Detroit News
 
"The view was from opposite spectrums for a pair of Red Wings Saturday against the Washington Capitals. But for both, the 7-1 loss to the Capitals wasn't the way they envisioned the game going. For Nicklas Lidstrom it was game No. 1,500 of his illustrious career, another milestone for a player destined for the Hall of Fame. For fellow Swede Fabian Brunnstrom, it was game No. 100 of his career and his first as a Red Wing. Neither is likely to look back on this particular game, an ugly loss, with much fondness. "I wanted it to end on a better note," said Lidstrom, who received a loud round of applause when the milestone was flashed on the arena's scoreboard. Both teams stood and applauded, as"
Wings' Swedish pair still going strong
October 6
Detroit News
 
"It was 15 minutes after a recent practice, during which coach Mike Babcock had the Red Wings skating hard. Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom sat on the stools at their dressing stalls, pulling off their damp skates, pants and pads and saturated practice jerseys. Like the rest of the Red Wings, they were both just a tad winded. "Tommy," Lidstrom said, staring at the floor in front of him, "You ready?" He looked up and across the room to Holmstrom. "Are you ready, old man?" Holmstrom responded. "Anytime you are," Lidstrom said, a half-smile greeting the taunt."
Lidstrom's return maintains Red Wings' high expectations
August 30
Detroit News
 
"However the coming season goes for the Red Wings, it all began Monday on the east side with a vigorous, voluntary skate at City Sports Center. Quite nearly Labor Day, and the guys are beginning to congregate — 18 days before training camp opens in Traverse City, 22 days before their first exhibition at Pittsburgh and 38 days before their first game of the season, Friday, Oct. 7. "The summer was good!" said the suntanned, seemingly ageless captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, the 2011 Norris Trophy winner who returns for a 20th season. "It went by quick. I was back home for most of the time, and just enjoying the family." Asked if, as he anticipates the 2011-12 season, it feels a bit like a"
Nicklas Lidstrom likes Red Wings' additions on defense
August 30
Detroit News
 
"The sound of skates cutting the ice echoed through the City Sports Center on the lower East Side today as some of the Red Wings returned early from the offseason to begin their 2011-12 campaign for the Stanley Cup. Danny Cleary was the first Wing on the ice, at 10:03 a.m., for the first in a series of informal skates, with which the Wings unofficially launch a season. He was joined in short order by the captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, veteran Tomas Holmstrom, returning goaltender Ty Conklin, who will play behind Jimmy Howard this season, Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller, Jacob Kindl and Jan Mursak. The Wings will be a blend of the old and the new, in the coming season, which begins Friday, Oct. 7, at"
Nicklas Lidstrom among Wings scheduled for HockeyFest
August 25
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Jimmy Howard are among the 12 players tentatively scheduled to appear at the Red Wings' annual HockeyFest at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday, Sept. 10. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., includes autograph sessions with players, a tour of the Wings' locker room, photo opportunities with the 2008 Stanley Cup banner and the JLA zamboni, and more. Tickets ($25 adults, $15 kids 12 and under) are available at the JLA box office (313-396-7575), Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and DetroitRedWings.com. Here is a tentative schedule of player appearances: Justin Abdelkader, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Todd Bertuzzi, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Daniel Cleary,"
National writer wishes Nicklas Lidstrom would have retired
August 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"A little more than a month ago, Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom announced he'd return for one more season, his 20th in Detroit. There was a collective sigh of relief throughout Hockeytown when Lidstrom said he's coming back. After picking up his seventh Norris Trophy, who could really argue that it's time for him to hang 'em up? Well, we found someone. Justin Bourne writes about hockey for USA Today. He was a star at the University of Alaska and couple of stints professionally. His dad, Bob, won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, and retired at age 34. That's part of reason that Bourne wishes Lidstrom would have retired, as he wrote on The Hockey News Web site."
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom wins seventh Norris Trophy
June 24
Detroit News
 
"It's getting more difficult for Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to win awards. It just doesn't seem that way. Such as Wednesday night, when Lidstrom won the Norris Trophy for a seventh time as the league's best defenseman, this time at the age of 41. "It doesn't get any easier," Lidstrom said from Las Vegas, site of the NHL Awards Show. Lidstrom is the oldest player to win the award (he was the previous oldest at age 38 three years ago). "It does feel great, I have a lot of pride to be able to play at this level and I'm very proud to win this award. But, no, it doesn't get any easier." Lidstrom tied Montreal's Doug Harvey with the seven Norris victories. The only defenseman who has"
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom wins seventh Norris Trophy
June 23
Detroit News
 
"It's getting more difficult for Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to win awards. It just doesn't seem that way. Such as Wednesday night, when Lidstrom won the Norris Trophy for a seventh time as the league's best defenseman, this time at the age of 41. "It doesn't get any easier," Lidstrom said from Las Vegas, site of the NHL Awards Show. Lidstrom is the oldest player to win the award (he was the previous oldest at age 38 three years ago). "It does feel great, I have a lot of pride to be able to play at this level and I'm very proud to win this award. But, no, it doesn't get any easier." Lidstrom tied Montreal's Doug Harvey with the seven Norris victories. The only defenseman who has"
Ageless Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom wins 7th Norris Trophy
June 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom left the Palms Casino Resort with the one trophy he really wanted -- the one that has become synonymous with his name. The James Norris Memorial Trophy recognizing the NHL's top defenseman went to Lidstrom for a seventh time Wednesday at the NHL Awards Show, leaving Lidstrom one short of Bobby Orr's record. "It's very satisfying," Lidstrom said. "I'm very proud to win another one, especially at this stage in my career. I've just turned 41, and still being able to play against the best, I take a lot of pride in that." Lidstrom narrowly edged Nashville's Shea Weber and Boston's Zdeno Chara for the award. Lidstrom lost the Lady Byng to Tampa Bay's Martin"
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom could take home Norris, more
June 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom began his week with a quick trip to the Grand Canyon, where he and his family had lunch at the bottom. Midweek finds him at the NHL Awards, where he is a finalist for the Norris and Lady Byng trophies and the Mark Messier leadership award. "The helicopter tour was great," Lidstrom said Tuesday. "The pilot was pointing out wild mustangs to us. We had a nice picnic, and then flew in over Las Vegas in the afternoon. It was really special." Lidstrom could have a grand night tonight, too, if he wins what would be his seventh Norris, one shy of Bobby Orr's record. He's up against Boston's Zdeno Chara and Nashville's Shea Weber. Lidstrom, with 62 points,"
Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom finalist for seventh Norris Trophy
June 22
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom could take one more step toward history. Lidstrom is a finalist at the "NHL Awards Show" in Las Vegas tonight for the Norris Trophy, given to the league's best defenseman per vote of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. He has won the award six times. If he wins Wednesday night, it would tie Lidstrom with Montreal's Doug Harvey at seven Norris trophies, only one from Boston legend Bobby Orr. "One of the elite defensemen in the game," said general manager Ken Holland of Lidstrom, both of whom will attend tonight's show, along with Pavel Datsyuk. A finalist for the Selke Trophy (best defensive forward), Datsyuk has won the award the last three seasons. Lidstrom,"
Lidstrom's return hinged on elite status
June 21
Yahoo! Sports
 columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika
"Know this about Nicklas Lidstrom: One day he will retire before the Detroit Red Wings want him to. He will walk away from the NHL when he's still able to play. He will leave when he could stay. But that day hasn't arrived yet, and there are two main reasons for that: Lidstrom believes he can continue to perform at a high level at age 41, and he believes the Wings can continue to compete for the Stanley Cup. That is why he has agreed to another one-year deal with Detroit, putting off the inevitable for at least a little while longer. Lidstrom is a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, and if he wins it Wednesday night in Las Vegas, he will have won seven – only one"
Red Wings' model of consistency matched by Nicklas Lidstrom's run of excellence
June 21
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Red Wings are riding a remarkable run of 20 consecutive playoff appearances, the longest current streak in the four major pro sports. And it's no coincidence that Nicklas Lidstrom has been roaming their blue line for the past 19 seasons. Overshadowed earlier in his career on teams loaded with fellow future Hall of Famers, nobody can minimize Lidstrom's importance to the Red Wings in recent years. He has been an elite defenseman and invaluable part of four Stanley Cup-winning clubs. That is why it was vital for the Red Wings to sign the captain to a one-year, $6.2 million contract on Monday. With superstars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in their prime and a sudden windfall"
Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom remains NHL's best defenseman
June 21
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Helene St. James
"Nicklas Lidstrom ultimately decided he has it in him to withstand another grind, and just like that, the Red Wings gained ground. Lidstrom's announcement Monday that he will be back for another season, his 20th, renders the Wings that much more competitive, that much better off. Lidstrom remains, at 41, one of the best defensemen in the NHL -- he's a finalist for what would be his seventh Norris Trophy, to be awarded Wednesday -- and he remains the Wings' most important player. "I'm very excited Nick has decided to come back for the 2011 season," teammate Danny Cleary said. "I think I can speak for the entire Red Wing nation in saying this: Nick is our captain, our best defenseman, our"
One more for Nick Lidstrom, but that could be it
June 21
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Mitch Albom
"Whew. That's a lucky bounce. Nick Lidstrom is coming back for one more season, and Red Wings fans can exhale knowing 19 seasons of the best defenseman in hockey will now be 20. But don't count on this again. I think it was the last bullet dodged. Had Brian Rafalski not retired, had Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg not been in their prime, had the Red Wings somehow won this year's Stanley Cup -- instead of being bounced in the playoffs' second round -- I think Lidstrom would have hung it up. Next year, we won't be so lucky. So the Wings had better make this season count. They had better get the pieces and the passion and go get the prize. Because while Lidstrom is a once-a-decade player,"
Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom coming back for 20th season
June 21
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom is returning to play for a 20th season. Lidstrom and general manager Ken Holland made the announcement Monday morning during a teleconference. "Obviously, it's an important decision for our hockey team," Holland said. "Nick is coming off a great tremendous year and continues to be one of the elite defensemen in the game." Lidstrom, 41, had been grappling with the idea of returning since the Red Wings' season ended in May, after losing in the second round of the playoffs against San Jose. "I wanted to make sure I found the motivation and was ready for the workouts over the summer," said Lidstrom, who'll earn $6.2 million in 2011-12 — same as 2010-11. "Preparing for a long"
Nicklas Lidstrom agrees to one-year deal, will return for his 20th NHL season
June 20
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the club and will return for his 20th season. The Red Wings have scheduled an 11 a.m. conference call with Lidstrom and general manager Ken Holland to announce the deal. Lidstrom, who turned 41 in April, remains one of the top defensemen in the NHL. He has a chance to win his seventh Norris Trophy Wednesday at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas, where he also is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct) and the Mark Messier Leadership Award. He finished second among all defensemen in 2010-11 with 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists). He continues to be remarkably durable,"
Nicklas Lidstrom to return to Red Wings with 1-year deal
June 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"Captain Nicklas Lidstrom made it official this morning: He will return to the Red Wings for his 20th season. He agreed to a one-year contract that will pay him $6 million, the same salary as this past season. His announcement — in an 11 a.m. teleconference with general manager Ken Holland — ends weeks of speculation whether he would return or retire. “I’m very happy to be back for my 20th season with the Red Wings,” Lidstrom said. “It’s a real important decision for our hockey team,” Holland said. “Nick had a tremendous year and continues to be one of the elite defensemen in the game.” Lidstrom has been in Los Angeles for the past few days on vacation with his family, but will be Las"
Lidstrom to return with Red Wings for 20th season
June 20
TSN.ca
 
"The Detroit Red Wings announced today that veteran defenceman and team captain Nicklas Lidstrom will return for another year with the team. There was speculation that the 41-year-old from Sweden would retire after last season, but with today's announcement, Lidstrom confirmed he would be back for his 20th season in the NHL."
Wings should find out Nicklas Lidstrom's decision next week
June 17
ESPN.com
 
"The Detroit Red Wings should find out Monday or Tuesday whether legendary defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season. "Nick Lidstrom and I met Tuesday for a brief meeting," Wings GM Ken Holland told ESPN.com on Friday. "He said he wasn't prepared to make decision yet. We have plans to meet in Vegas on Monday or Tuesday and he said he would give me his decision then.""
Red Wings remain hopeful, optimistic Nicklas Lidstrom will hold off on retirement
June 15
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland remains hopeful that Nicklas Lidstrom will return. Coach Mike Babcock is extremely optimistic that his star defenseman will be back. Holland met with Lidstrom on Tuesday, following the first day of the club's pro scouting meetings, but said he doesn't know yet whether the team captain will play next season or retire. Holland said they will talk again at the NHL Awards Show on June 22 in Las Vegas. Babcock is convinced that Lidstrom will return, though he hasn't heard it from him. "I'm 100 percent optimistic," Babcock said Tuesday. Asked why, Babcock said, "Why not? He's too good. And our team is too good for him to quit." Another club official"
Offseason training more difficult for Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom
June 10
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom still doesn't know if he'll return to the Red Wings next season. Lidstrom, appearing on the Jim Rome Show on Thursday to promote the NHL Awards Show, said he's still unsure about coming back for a 20th season. "I'm going to take my time and really consider what I want to do," said Lidstrom, 41, a finalist for the Norris Trophy (best defenseman), Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship) and Mark Messier Leadership Award. Wings general manager Ken Holland told Lidstrom he needs a decision by July 1, which marks the start of unrestricted free agency. Motivation is a key issue for Lidstrom. "It's more motivation, committing to the offseason training," Lidstrom said. "It's very"
Nicklas Lidstrom still undecided, cites need for motivation
June 9
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom appeared on Jim Rome's radio show this afternoon and said he's still deciding whether to retire. Lidstrom said general manager Ken Holland told him he could wait until July 1 -- the start of free agency -- to make up his mind. The 41-year-old sounded like he he wasn't going to make the decision any time soon. "I'm going to take my time and really consider what I'm going to do," Lidstrom said. "I'm still healthy but, to me, it's more motivation." If he decides to return, it would necessitate a summer of off-season conditioning to prepare for another long season."
Chara, Doan, Lidstrom finalists for Messier Award
June 7
NHL.com
 
"Mark Messier knows a little about leadership. For that reason alone, current Boston Bruin defenseman Zdeno Chara, Detroit's stellar blue liner Nicklas Lidstrom, and Phoenix Coyotes winger Shane Doan all have the right to be excited that they were acknowledged as some of the game's best leaders by Messier, who announced the three team captains as finalists for the NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award, presented by Bridgestone. Messier made the announcement Monday at TD Garden, just hours before the start of game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The recipient will be announced Wednesday, June 22, during the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas."