Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom retires
Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom announced his retirement from the NHL at a news conference in Detroit.
"Today, after 20 seasons as a player, I am announcing my retirement," Lidstrom said.
The 42-year old will go down as one of the greatest defencemen of all-time. He recorded 264 goals and 878 assists for 1,142 points, and a plus-450 rating in 1,564 games. In 263 playoff games, he registered 189 points and a plus-61 rating.
Among all defencemen in history, the Swedish native ranks 5th in games played, 8th in goals, 6th in points, 5th in plus/minus and 2nd in playoff points.
Lidstrom also racked up numerous career accolades, including four Stanley Cups, seven Norris trophies, 12 all-star game selections, a Conn Smythe trophy in 2002 and an Olympic gold medal in 2006.
"I take a lot of pride in how hard I worked, in representing my country, and in representing Detroit," Lidstrom added. "It's not that the tank is completely empty, I just don't have enough to carry me through...retiring today allows me to walk away with pride."
A third-round pick in the 1989 draft, Lidstrom became the first European-born captain to win the Stanley Cup in 2008 and had a plus-rating in 19 of his 20 seasons.
"I've been dreading this day since I became general manager," Ken Holland added. "Nick has been the most valuable player of his era."
