Red Wings captain Lidstrom retires after 20-year career

Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom retired from the NHL on Thursday after a 20-year career during which he won four Stanley Cups and established himself as one of the best defenseman of all time.

Lidstrom, a 12-time All-Star and seven-time Norris Trophy winner as top defenseman, spent his entire career with Detroit and became the first European to captain a Stanley Cup championship when the Red Wings won in 2008.

"At some point in time it catches up with everyone and diminishes their ability to perform, something you love and care about passionately comes to an end sooner than what you would've liked," the 42-year-old said during a news conference.

"The last three years I waited until after the season was over to assess my ability to play another year . . . sadly this year it's painfully obvious to me that my strength and energy level are not rebounding enough for me to continue to play."

Lidstrom was taken by Detroit 53rd overall in the 1989 NHL Draft and went on to record 264 goals and 1,142 points in 1,564 career games spent entirely with the Red Wings.