Is Nicklas Lidstrom Retiring?

Porbably. Here is what I would say to convince him to stay

Nicky, can I call you Nicky? I'm going to, because I'm probably more familiar with your career than you are. I'm not even a Red Wings fan; in fact I kind of hate your team. Not you though, I mean shit, you've been in the league since I was three. Every time the season starts the Wings are a threat to make a run at the cup, no coincidence you've been on the team the entire time. I know it's ridiculous to ask you to play your 21st NHL season; but please? I won't see another player like you in my lifetime, I know this. The seven Norris Trophies and three runner ups make you a first ballot unanimous Hall of Famer but that barely scratches the surface of your importance to hockey, and me. You played every shift with more intense discipline than I’ve ever shown in my entire life. You've frustrated every forward who's tried to dangle around you and flattened the ones who tried to go through you. 1,564 regular season games and you make STILL make the leagues best forwards look foolish. They say that with greatness comes "haters", nobody hates Nicky Lidstrom. Every defensemen in the league wants to be you, every forward awestruck by your ability at 42 to still be the best. Tomorrow you announce whether you retire or not. Everyone else says it’s a done deal, goodbye number Five- I suppose I know it too. You're the last stantion from my Childhood Hockey Icons; the kick in the ass that makes me realize I’m about to starting to be older than the rookies. But most of all, you were one of my childhood heroes, and no matter how selfish this sounds- it’s a sad day when a hero retires. Maybe I'll get to see you behind the bench, showing young blue liners what it takes to be the next Nicky. But trust me; there will never be another Nicklas Lidstrom. Anytime the conversation becomes a debate over the best defensemen of all time, your name will always be first out of my mouth. Sorry Ray Borque, you might be the best offensive defensemen in history; but you sir, are no Nicky Lidstrom. So Nicky, if you do retire; take care. And thank you.