Report: Nicklas Lidstrom Expected to Retire at News Conference Thursday

Nicklas Lidstrom is expected to meet with the media on Thursday morning to discuss his future, and it sounds like he's going to call it a career — a splendid one at that.

The longtime Detroit Red Wings defenseman is expected to retire at an 11 a.m. news conference on Thursday morning, according to ESPN.com. 

Lidstrom, one of the best blue liners to ever play the game, would be calling it quits after 20 seasons in the NHL. Over those two decades, Lidstrom won the Norris trophy as the league's best defenseman seven times. He also finished as the runner-up three times. More importantly, Lidstrom was a four-time Stanley Cup winner.

The 42-year-old had 34 points to go along with a plus-21 rating last season with the Wings, but he did miss a career-high 11 games with a bone bruise on his ankle.

Photo via Facebook/Nicklas Lidstrom