Detroit Red Wing defensman Nicklas Lidstrom has set a timetable to decide if he intends on continuing his career. The date: July 1st.
Lidstrom, at the not-so-young age of 41, is coming off of his 18th season with Red Wings, posting a 62 point season. Lidtsrom’s focus on offensive play was noted on both ends with 16 goals this past season and a -2 overall rating. Still though, Norris Trophy winner in 6 of the last 9 seasons, Lidtsrom has plenty left in the tank.
Far too often we as fans have a narrow minded sight of our hockey players, that their lives are all things hockey. We tend to forget that there is indeed life outside of hockey, as much as we wish to think otherwise. Lidtsrom is married to his wife Annika and has four sons. The desire to be a father may outweigh the desire to play.
“It’s just a matter of knowing if you want to play again, if you’re motivated to play another long season,” Lidstrom said after game 5 against the Sharks.
As a professional athlete, there still is the drive to compete. Coming off of a loss to the San Jose Sharks in an emotional 7 game series may leave Lidstrom itching for more.
“I think regardless if I play or not the team is going to be strong next year,” Lidstrom said. “They got a great core, a great group of guys that are in their late 20s or early 30s that are still top players in this league. So I think the team will be fine.”
The Detroit Red Wings ended the regular season with 104 points for 3rd seed in the Western Conference and 1st in the Central Division. The team still has a solid core of players in Hernrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen and Pavel Datsyuk. And it is best not to forget young goaltender Jimmy Howard who has proven he is playoff ready, a 7-4 record and a .923 save percentage in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Having made the playoffs 20 years in a row now, it seems more likely than not that number 21 is a lock.
July 1st will be a date marked on many calendars, Red Wing and NHL fans alike. The possibility of seeing one of the greatest defensman to play in the NHL leave has not sunken in for most. It will be a shame if Nick intends to retire, a hall of famer guarantee. Let’s hope though he has one more year in him, not only to see if he can hoist the Stanley Cup one more time, but to at least be forewarned of his final year, so all fans may enjoy it a little bit more than normal.
[…] Nicklas Lidstrom isn’t the only veteran Red Wing contemplating his future. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood are both wondering if the Wings will have room on the roster for them next season. At 39-years-old, Draper may find himself displaced by youngsters like Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader – valuable assets and role players that the Wings want to retain. Osgood, on the other hand, has been a solid mentor to Jimmy Howard, but injuries over the past two seasons have kept Ozzie largely ineffective as a backup goaltender. If the Wings can’t count on a healthy Osgood, they may seek a backup presence elsewhere in the offseason. Center Mike Modano, who missed half the season with a lacerated wrist, will likely retire this summer. […]