With the Detroit Red Wings facing elimination Friday night against the San Jose Sharks (7 ET, Versus), defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, has been asked whether this could be his last NHL game. Lidstrom has said he won't make any decision about his future until after the season.
By Paul Sancya, AP
Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom is a Norris Trophy finalist, showing that he's still on top of his game.
By Paul Sancya, AP
Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom is a Norris Trophy finalist, showing that he's still on top of his game.
But here are my reasons why I believe he will be back:
1. Although Lidstrom and his wife, Annika, look forward to the time when they can move back to Sweden, they aren't in a rush to leave Michigan. Both readily concede it will be very difficult to leave a place that has been their home for almost two decades.
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2. The relationship between Lidstrom and the Red Wings is probably as close to perfect as you could get. Lidstrom says he enjoys what he terms "fireside chats" with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland at the end of the season about the direction the team is heading. Essentially, the way contract negotiations between Lidstrom and the Red Wings work is Holland explains the Red Wings' salary cap situation, and they ask Lidstrom what number he can live with. The Red Wings don't play hardball with their captain. There's a mutual respect. They understand his importance, and he knows his value.
3. Seems like it would be difficult to walk away from the level of salary Lidstrom still commands. He's making $6.2 million this season, and it would seem as if the Red Wings wouldn't ask him to go below that because defenseman Brian Rafalski will make $6 million next season. You can't pay Lidstrom less than Rafalski. Earlier this season, Holland said he would be willing to give Lidstrom a two-year deal if he wanted one.
4. Lidstrom still loves the game. You can tell that by watching him play. He still competes every shift. He says he doesn't move up into the play as much as he used to, but video might not support that call. He still loves to sneak into the slot, or the back door, and rip a shot past a surprised goaltender. There has been no indication from Lidstrom this season that he was contemplating an exit from the game.
5. Lidstrom is a finalist for the Norris Trophy, meaning at 40 he is among the top three defensemen in the game. His minus-2 plus-minus rating was more a reflection of how the team played than how Lidstrom played. He had 62 points this season. He's not just hanging on. He's excelling. The Red Wings would be significantly harmed by his retirement. Lidstrom is simply playing too well to retire.
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