Lidstrom retires after 20 seasons

Detroit, MI – Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom has decided to hang up the skates for good following a 20-year NHL career.

Lidstrom announced his retirement from hockey at a Thursday morning press conference.

"Today, after 20 seasons as a player, I am announcing my retirement," Lidstrom said.

The 42-year-old completed this past season with 11 scores and 34 points in 70 regular-season games -- his 17th campaign tallying double digits in goals -- but failed to score a point in five postseason contests.

"The current team I believe is a very solid team," Lidstrom added. "We didn't get it done this year, but I believe we have a solid core here."

Selected by the Red Wings in the third round of the 1989 draft, Lidstrom compiled 264 goals with 878 assists for 1,142 points in 1,564 NHL games. He is third in franchise history in assists and fourth in points.

The native of Sweden also recorded 54 goals and 129 assists for 183 points in 263 Stanley Cup playoff games. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in Detroit's 2002 championship run, and became the first European player to captain his team to a title in 2008.

In addition, Lidstrom represented his home country in four Olympics, winning a gold medal at Torino in 2006.

"It's one of the most emotional days in Red Wing history," Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said. "Nick has been a Rock of Gibraltar for us. He has just been a solid winner."