Detroit Red Wings Hire Nicklas Lidstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom is back with the Detroit Red Wings. The team has hired the Hall of Fame defenseman to be their new vice president of hockey operations.

Lidstrom is one of the biggest figures in the Red Wings' entire history, so it certainly feels right to see him join their front office. He previously worked as a scout for the organization but has since been away from the team. Yet, the 51-year-old is back again and holds a big position.

The Red Wings aren't afraid of hiring old players after their playing careers are over. At this time Pat Verbeek, Niklas Kronwall, Mark Howe, Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby, Dan Cleary, and Jiri Fischer all have positions with the organization. Oh, and who could forget Steve Yzerman is their general manager?

Lidstrom is joining the Red Wings at a pretty exciting time. After years of rebuilding, they are slowly starting to take that next step and have a very bright future. This season has been impressive for the young team, as they have a 16-16-4 record and are fifth in the Atlantic Division. Although the playoffs may not end up happening this year, they are getting closer with their young and exciting core. 

In 1,564 career games with Detroit, Lidstrom had 264 goals, 878 assists, and 1,142 assists. With that, he won four Stanley Cups, seven Norris Trophies, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. Furthermore, his No. 5 is hung in the rafters and is the highest-scoring defenseman in the team's entire history.