Lidstrom to be next Wings' captain

In perhaps an obvious move, the Detroit Red Wings will name Nicklas Lidstrom captain, replacing the retired Steve Yzerman.

Lidstrom, 36, joined the team prior to the 1991-1992 season and is the longest-serving member of the squad. In June, he won his fourth straight Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman.

Yzerman had worn the 'C' since 1986-1987, when at 21, he became the youngest captain in franchise history.

Once Lidstrom is officially given the captaincy, he'll be one of six Swedish captains in the NHL along with Toronto's Mats Sundin, Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson, Vancouver's Markus Naslund and Los Angeles' Mattias Norstrom. Peter Forsberg is rumored to captain Philadelphia next season as well.

The Detroit Free Press and Helene St. James have the full story in today's edition.