Nicklas Lidstrom is the best defenseman to ever play for the Detroit Red Wings.
The “Perfect Human” Nicklas Lidstrom occupies the left side of this defense. Lidstrom was a 3rd round pick (53rd overall) in the 1989 NHL Draft and quickly became a weapon on the blue line. Lidstrom was a quiet assassin, letting his play on the ice speak for itself.
Lidstrom was not the best skater, did not have the hardest shot, and was not the biggest defenseman but he was so smooth whenever he was on the ice.
He would skate in 1,564 games, scoring 264 goals and 879 assists for 1,142 points while posting an incredible +450 in his Red Wings career. In the playoffs, he would contribute 183 points on 54 goals and 129 assists in 263 games.
Lidstrom participated in 11 all-star games, he was the 2001-02 Conn Smythe trophy winner after posting 16 points in 23 games, and won four Stanley Cups with Detroit (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008).
Lidstrom would win seven Norris trophies in his career and become the oldest Norris trophy winner during the 2001-02 season at the age of 41 years and 57 days.
Lidstrom would lead the Detroit Red Wings in +/- at a +450 and in power play assists during his career. He would also be recognized as the oldest player to record his first career hat trick at 40 years and 210 days.
Lidstrom would retire from the NHL on May 31, 2012, after a magnificent career. He had a career most first-round players would be jealous of and made his time in Detroit worth every moment. He was a leader on and off the ice, to other veterans and young players.
He does not get the attention he deserves even though he is one of the best defensemen in NHL history. Lidstrom was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015, putting him among the best in the history of the game.