Detroit — Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock says a report that star defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom will succeed retired legend Steve Yzerman as captain 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," Babcock told The Canadian Press on Wednesday from his off-season home in Saskatchewan. "Anything written about it at this point is pure speculation."
The Detroit Free Press, citing a source within the organization, said the team has chosen Lidstrom as captain but is holding off on a formal announcement to make a big splash before the season starts. But Babcock said no decision had been taken yet.
"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," said Babcock.
The 36-year-old Lidstrom is now the longest-serving Red Wing with Yzerman's retirement and a four-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's top defenceman.
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