http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=175098&hubname=nhl

TSN.ca Staff with CP Files

8/23/2006 12:04:39 PM

Nicklas Lidstrom will replace Steve Yzerman as captain of the Detroit Red Wings, reports the Detroit Free Press.

A source within the organization told the newspaper the team has made the decision but is holding off on a formal announcement until closer to the start of the season.

Detroit head coach Mike Bab**** told the Canadian Press the report is premature.

"I'm not saying Nick Lidstrom won't be the captain but what I am telling you is that we haven't spent one second on it yet," said Bab****. "Anything written about it at this point is pure speculation."

"When I get back I'll meet with (GM) Kenny (Holland), Steve Yzerman and also with our veteran core, Chris Chelios, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Kris Draper, have a chat, and do what's best for our hockey club," explained Bab****.

The 36-year-old Lidstrom is coming off winning his fourth Norris Trophy in the last five seasons as the NHL's top blueliner. Only Bobby Orr (eight), Doug Harvey (seven) and Ray Bourque (five) have more Norris wins.

Lidstrom scored 16 goals, added 64 assists and had a plus-21 rating this past season. He has spent his entire career in Detroit playing 1,096 regular season games  and collecting 189 goals and 617 assists over his 14 seasons.

Yzerman announced his retirement in July after spending all 22 seasons with Detroit. He first donned the 'C' in 1986, becoming the youngest captain in club history at age 21.

-- Edited by MC Girl at 15:25, 2006-08-23