Not only was Nicklas Lidstrom one of the greatest defenseman ever to lace up the skates, but he also earned the title of “Perfect Human” from the adoring fan base thanks to his seemingly flawless play on the ice.
Of course, he would routinely lead his team in ice time during his playing career while also winning the Norris Trophy seven times as the NHL’s top blue liner.
He’s back in the Motor City as Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Red Wings, and even at 51 years old, one would think that he could still be effective on the ice. Just ask head coach Jeff Blashill.
“If he wanted to we’d give him minutes,” Blashill said. “I watched him in the Alumni game my first year and he could have definitely still played.”
“Oh for sure, I guarantee he could,” Blashill joked if he’d ever think about sending Lidstrom onto the ice.
Lidstrom won four Stanley Cup championships, seven James Norris Memorial Trophies (awarded to the NHL’s top defenceman), one Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, and was voted into 12 NHL All-Star Games. The Red Wings never missed the postseason during his career, the longest in league history for a player never missing the playoffs.
– – Quotes via Jeff Riger Link – –
