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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
 Posted - 05/30/2012 : 13:50:28
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It looks like Nik Lidstrom is set to retire on Thursday after 20 years in the NHL. Easily the best defenseman in the last 10 years, and arguably the best defensemen since Orr, he's sure to be an instant HOF entry when eligible.
What does his retirement mean for DET's blueline? I can only imagine they're going to make a hard run at Suter in the offseason, but are more changes in store? This team has bowed out of the plaoyffs in the first round in each of the last 2 season, does his retirement usher in other changes?
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Edited by - nuxfan on 05/30/2012 13:50:45
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Statman
Rookie
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 15:13:29
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First of all, I definitely think you can give him the tag as the best defensemen since Orr. First ballot, without a doubt.
As for Detroit, their depth has always allowed them to let their prospects mature slowly with plenty of seasoning in the minors. As the saying goes, they don't rebuild, they reload. But of course, Lidstrom will leave some big shoes to fill, and yes, I expect his absence to take a toll on their usually gaudy numbers in the standings. Suter would be a great fit, and as well as things have gone in Nashville the last few years, players still tend to think of Detroit as the sexy pick and Nashville, not so much (Except for Carrie Underwood, of course!). |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 17:59:19
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First of all, I think that more than a guy or two would object to the the Nik Lidstrom is the best since Orr comment. Just because he played in an era with little competition does not mean his 7 Norris trophies automatically put him ahead of guys like Denis Potvin, Ray Bourque, Mark Howe, Larry Robinson, and Chris Chilios. Heck, if you put Chris Pronger or Scott Neidermayer in Lidstrom's spot I think you see different names beside those Norris trophies. Don't get me wrong, Lidstrom is a very special player and deserves to be in the conversation. But I think it is a little short sighted view that is askewed by the media and the value of the Norris trophy.
Now, what does this mean to the Detroit Red Wings?? Not as much as you would think. 5 years ago and it's a huge blow. But let's face it, a 30 pt +21 defensemen on the Red Wings can be replaced by a number of players. The question is if they can upgrade to a Lidstrom like player from 5 years ago.
Will they add a Weber, Suter type player or will they add a, well, list any one of the 50ish players in the NHL that could potentially get 30 pts from the defensive position.
Listrom is not the player he once was.
Daniel Alfredsson is the MVP of the universe. All hail the Ottawa Senators!!!!! |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2012 : 20:48:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
First of all, I think that more than a guy or two would object to the the Nik Lidstrom is the best since Orr comment. Just because he played in an era with little competition does not mean his 7 Norris trophies automatically put him ahead of guys like Denis Potvin, Ray Bourque, Mark Howe, Larry Robinson, and Chris Chilios. Heck, if you put Chris Pronger or Scott Neidermayer in Lidstrom's spot I think you see different names beside those Norris trophies. Don't get me wrong, Lidstrom is a very special player and deserves to be in the conversation. But I think it is a little short sighted view that is askewed by the media and the value of the Norris trophy.
Now, what does this mean to the Detroit Red Wings?? Not as much as you would think. 5 years ago and it's a huge blow. But let's face it, a 30 pt +21 defensemen on the Red Wings can be replaced by a number of players. The question is if they can upgrade to a Lidstrom like player from 5 years ago.
Will they add a Weber, Suter type player or will they add a, well, list any one of the 50ish players in the NHL that could potentially get 30 pts from the defensive position.
Listrom is not the player he once was.
Daniel Alfredsson is the MVP of the universe. All hail the Ottawa Senators!!!!!
I did say "arguably the best"...
Also, I think its fair to say that Lidstrom brings more to the table than 30 points a season. Even at his age he is a huge contributor to that team, and a steadying veteran presence on the blue line and mentor to the younger players. His 30 points can be easily replaced - but the rest, not so much.
I have to think they'll be the frontrunners for Suter this summer.
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Shepsky
Rookie
Canada
211 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 04:47:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
First of all, I think that more than a guy or two would object to the the Nik Lidstrom is the best since Orr comment. Just because he played in an era with little competition does not mean his 7 Norris trophies automatically put him ahead of guys like Denis Potvin, Ray Bourque, Mark Howe, Larry Robinson, and Chris Chilios. Heck, if you put Chris Pronger or Scott Neidermayer in Lidstrom's spot I think you see different names beside those Norris trophies. Don't get me wrong, Lidstrom is a very special player and deserves to be in the conversation. But I think it is a little short sighted view that is askewed by the media and the value of the Norris trophy.
Now, what does this mean to the Detroit Red Wings?? Not as much as you would think. 5 years ago and it's a huge blow. But let's face it, a 30 pt +21 defensemen on the Red Wings can be replaced by a number of players. The question is if they can upgrade to a Lidstrom like player from 5 years ago.
Will they add a Weber, Suter type player or will they add a, well, list any one of the 50ish players in the NHL that could potentially get 30 pts from the defensive position.
Listrom is not the player he once was.
Daniel Alfredsson is the MVP of the universe. All hail the Ottawa Senators!!!!!
Of course Lidstrom is not the player he once was, he is 42 years old! It is damn near impossible to be as fast and as physical at 42 years old, but at that age, he is still one hell of a player, and if he weren't retiring is still the kind of player that ANY team in the NHL would benefit from having.
Every day is a great day for hockey
-Mario Lemieux |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 05:17:55
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End of an era indeed.
And now, we start to see what Detroit can after the Lidstrom era . . . and soon afterward, after the Datsyuk and Zetterberg era. It'll be potentially tough times, unless they can continue to work their drafting magic!
I was never the biggest Lidstrom fan - but that is no reason to slag him whatsoever on his retirement day, nosirree. He was as clean and efficient a player on the defensive end as you can get, and all class. Obviously a HOFer, and a sparkling career with many great achievements.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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defobust
Top Prospect
Canada
22 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 05:42:45
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In the list off all those great D man you forgot likely the best one since Orr and that is Mr Paul Coffey. He is by far the best offensive D man maybe in the history of this game, and wasnt to shabby on the D end as well.
Sean K |
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Guest4350
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Posted - 05/31/2012 : 08:15:55
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Sad sad day if he is retiring.
The most cereberal player since Gretz retired. There is absolutely no flash to his game. It was just simple perfection. Which is why with exception of Orr, is he better than any defencemen Beans listed.
My favorite memory is a couple of years ago. Someone was yapping at him after laying a hit on him. I guess he was trying to rile up Nik. Unfortunately Nik skated away nodded and smiled while the dude was trying to get into his face. Oh BTW, the game was tied. A few minutes later, Nik scored the game winning goal.
He looked at the guy that was yapping at him who was on the ice when the goal happened. Nik nodded and smiled. Classic. Probably the last time the dude ever yapped off at Nik. |
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Cyclonis
Top Prospect
Canada
56 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2012 : 12:46:18
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Big shoes...Big shoes in Detroit to fill!
I remember when Stevie Y packed it in...Man i thought Detroit would never recover but the wings did. Kronwall, White, and Ericsson will have to play big minutes even with a free agent coming in to help.
As classy as Stevie Y which is really saying something special in my books and as good a player you will ever see. I don't think the comparisons to Orr or Bourque are off the mark here! Detroit has some big shoes to fill yes but the organization has always been forward thinking and will have a plan or pray for Mr. Babcock. |
Edited by - Cyclonis on 06/05/2012 12:47:25 |
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Lidstrom - end of an era, changes in DET? 
