The Red Wings drafted defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom 53rd overall in the 1989 Entry Draft. He enjoyed a distinguished hockey career in Sweden both with his club team, Vasteras, and with the Swedish Nationals. He played on a gold-medal winner at the 1991 IIHF World Championships and was a member of Team Sweden at the 1991 Canada Cup Tournament. He joined the Red Wings in 1991-92 and earned a regular spot on the Detroit blueline. He finished his rookie season with 11 goals and 49 assists for 60 points and earned a berth on the NHL All-Rookie Team. He finished second to Pavel Bure in balloting for the Calder Trophy and finished third in the NHL in plus/minus rating at +36. He improved to +43 in 1993-94 including a +7 performance in one game. His overtime goal gave the Red Wings a win in game one of the 1995 Western Conference Finals against Chicago.
©1995 National Hockey League