A Collective Sigh

I don't think many sports fans in Detroit truly thought Nick Lidstrom was really going to retire or anyone in the Red Wings' front office for that matter, but make no mistake there was a huge collective sigh of relief that swept across all of Detroit when reports released that Nick Lidstrom had signed a 1 year deal for $6.2 million to return next season. The longtime great Red Wings GM Ken Holland said it best, "I am thrilled, absolutely thrilled." We all hear you Ken, I think the entire state of Michigan is. Losing the great number 5 to retirement this year would of not only hurt us obviously on the ice, where Lidstrom was a +22 this past year and we have made the playoffs all 18 seasons he has played, but one other essential ingredient, leadership. Even at age 40 he is one of the best two way defenseman in the league and a player everyone on the ice looks up and looks to for answeres when things aren't always going right. Nick brings a certain aura of invincibility to not only a hockey team, but Detroit hockey fans. He gives everyone on the ice with him and fans watching the games a level of comfortability that can't be described nor be replaced. Its not very often you have the privilege of watching or playing alongside a 4 time Stanley cup champion and 6 time Norris Trophy winner. That's what us privileged Detroit Red Wings fans have grown to cherish and love with all our hearts. Had Nick the great retired this year, it would have not only ended an era that none of us wanted to see or admit would end, but also any legitimate shot the Red Wings had of making it back to the Stanley Cup Finals next year. He is simply irreplaceable, period. Here's to you Nick, thanks for coming back, if even for only one more year.