Nick Lidstrom to Return for 20th Season

The offseason has already begun and even though it might seem early, big headlines are being thrown around the NHL. Coaching hires, player retirements, all that works. But there is one piece of news that stands out the most at this point. And that is the return of Nicklas Lidstrom.

Agreeing to a one-year, $6.2 million contract, Nick Lidstrom will return for his 20th season and not go into retirement. He is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy, the Mark Messier trophy, and the Norris Trophy that is expected at the upcoming NHL awards in Las Vegas. But Nick Lidstrom is more than just a man who plays well and gets the trophies. He is such a reliable defensemen.

I'm glad he's coming back with the Wings this season because due to the retirement of Brian Rafalski, I'm not sure if the Red Wings can afford any more losses at defense. Yeah, Nick might be in his 40s but he's got the legs and he's proving that he can skate and put his mind on the ice. He has been working hard all these past couple years, making sure his body is perfectly fit to take on the road ahead.

We'll see in the regular season that he's the great defensemen that everyone should fear and love to play against. I, for one, think he's got the shot to win the Stanley Cup next season. Will it happen? Nobody knows that. But one thing's for sure, he'll be back to provide his leadership to a great all-around hard-working team and I think the Wings are grateful for that.



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