When a player like Nicklas Lidstrom is thinking about retirement and ultimately calls a conference call instead of a full press conference, you probably know exactly what his decision is going to be. That's been the case on Monday morning, as one of the greatest defensemen to play the game will return for at least one more year.
The Detroit Red Wings signed Lidstrom to a one-year contract on Monday morning, on which terms were not disclosed by the club. (But, of course, your efforts are futile. We'll know those terms soon enough.) That conference call will be held at 11 a.m. ET, in which Lidstrom will speak about his decision.
For the Wings, the news really couldn't be better. Not only are they getting an all-world defenseman back in the lineup at what's likely to be a discounted price from the $6.2 million (or perhaps not) Lidstrom earned in 2010-11, they also avoid a complete rebuild of their defensive unit. With Brian Rafalski's retirement earlier in the offseason, the fear was that losing both Lidstrom and Rafalski in the same year would completely blow up the team defensively.
With Lidstrom in the picture, the Wings avoid that situation, while still earning $6 million to play with under the salary cap thanks to Rafalski's departure. Ken Holland might have a fun summer. Meanwhile, we get the treat of watching Nicklas Lidstrom for another year, and I don't think anybody (outside of the Central Division) is complaining about that.
For more on the Red Wings, check with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.
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